Entertainment
In a recent chat, Darasing Khurana shared his inspiring story, from his bond with Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan to his remarkable meeting with King Charles. Read on to know more about his fitness, wellness, and philanthropy.
Indian actor and philanthropist Darasing Khurana, who represents 56 nations as the Commonwealth Global Ambassador, caught up with BollywoodLife. During the recent conversation, Darasing gave his fans an insight into his chat with King Charles III during the Commonwealth Day reception in London. Their discussion wasn’t just limited to culture and social impact. It also focused on the power of global collaboration.
Darasing Khurana on advice from Hrithik Roshan and his Mr. India days
Darasing Khurana reminisced about his journey, saying, “I think that entire period is like a dream. It will be special forever.” When he was 14 years old, he was in standard 8 in Parbhani, where he was born – a small town in Maharashtra. He had won the local pageant, Mr. Parbhani. When asked about his dream and what his next step would be by a local journalist, he said he wanted to win Mr. Maharashtra. Life happened after that – intense studies, moving out of that little town, figuring out what he wanted to do in life…and he completely forgot about his dream.”
Back in the day, there used to be very limited ideas of what one can do in life. So, he wanted to try them all before finishing his studies. He would take on internships in various careers and streams to discover his true calling. Following his MBA, he became a fashion consultant to Hrithik Roshan. In 2016, when Hrithik was preparing to host the Mr. India pageant, Dara curated his look for the event. After the show, when Hrithik handed over the outfits to Dara, he casually suggested, “Why don’t you try for Mr. India? Groom up a bit, and you can participate.” Dara couldn’t forget Hrithik’s words. What’s more, Dara Singh Khurana was named by the legendary wrestler Dara Singh himself, who had wished for this young Dara to make the country proud. Inspired by his namesake’s legacy, Dara decided to take the plunge and participate in the Mr. India pageant—and he won.”
Darasing Khurana’s iconic meeting with King Charles
Darasing Khurana, the Indian actor and philanthropist, met King Charles III at the Commonwealth Day reception in London, and honestly, the whole thing felt bigger than just a handshake. Khurana, who stands for 56 nations as the Commonwealth Global Ambassador, kicked things off by greeting the King with a namaste. He explained that it’s not just a gesture—it’s about recognizing the divine in each other, a way of saying we’re all equals at heart. King Charles didn’t just nod politely; he shared that he’d started using the greeting himself during the pandemic. Then he noticed Khurana’s outfit—a striking piece by designer Abhishek Gandhi—and made sure to compliment it.
But the conversation didn’t stop at cultural niceties. They dug into real issues. Khurana talked about his work with Datri, the world’s second-largest stem cell registry. He’s been their ambassador for seven years, pushing hard for awareness around life-saving transplants. King Charles leaned in, genuinely curious about how stem cell donations change lives. They also swapped thoughts on mental health, something Khurana cares about deeply. He brought up his work promoting meditation, yoga, and Ayurveda—not just as buzzwords, but as practical ways to build a healthier life. King Charles gets it; he’s spent over twenty years championing sustainability and environmental causes, so the two found common ground there too.
Looking back, Khurana walked away impressed by the King’s humility and the way he listens. “What really struck me was his grace and how seriously he takes his role. It’s a reminder that real leadership means serving others and understanding them,” Khurana said. As Commonwealth Global Ambassador, he’s sticking to his path—empowering young people, pushing for better healthcare, and building bridges across cultures. That meeting with King Charles wasn’t just a photo op. It was a genuine step toward making a difference worldwide.