Hemanth Kumar, better known by his stage name
Darshan Thoogudeepa or simply
Darshan, is an Indian actor, film producer and distributor who works predominantly in Kannada films. In 2017, he was the highest paid actor in Kannada cinema. Darshan established the production house Thoogudeepa Productions in 2006. Its first production was
Jothe Jotheyali, with Darshan in a special appearance. His performances in
Anatharu (2007) and
Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012) won him praise from critics; his performance in the latter as the 19th-century warrior Sangolli Rayanna won him the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor.