Darshan Net Worth in Rupees: Income, Movies, Assets & Lifestyle

Darshan Thoogudeepa, widely known as the “Challenging Star” and D Boss of Kannada cinema, has built one of the most impressive financial empires in South Indian entertainment. Born as Hemanth Kumar on February 16, 1977, in Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnataka, his net worth, income sources, luxury assets, and blockbuster filmography make him a fascinating subject for anyone curious about how Sandalwood’s biggest stars build and manage their wealth.

Who is Darshan Thoogudeepa?

Darshan Thoogudeepa is one of Karnataka’s most celebrated and commercially successful film actors, widely regarded as the biggest superstar of the Kannada film industry. His father, Thoogudeepa Srinivas, was a celebrated actor in the Kannada film industry during the 1980s and 1990s, and growing up in this cinematic household gave Darshan both an early passion for films and an instinctive understanding of what mass audiences respond to. Starting his journey in the mid-1990s with television serials and small roles, he worked his way up through sheer determination and raw talent before his breakthrough role in the 2001 film Majestic, where he played the iconic character Daasa — a performance that transformed his career overnight.

Over the years, Darshan has delivered some of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time, acting in more than 50 films and earning a loyal fanbase that spans Karnataka and well beyond. Known for his powerful screen presence, action-packed performances, and ability to carry mass entertainers entirely on his shoulders, he has consistently commanded premium fees and built a personal brand that extends far beyond acting into production, distribution, business, and public life across the state.

Darshan Net Worth in Rupees: The Complete Breakdown

As of 2025, Darshan Thoogudeepa’s net worth is estimated at approximately ₹100 crore to ₹250 crore, making him one of the wealthiest actors in the Kannada film industry and firmly among the top three highest-paid stars in Sandalwood alongside Yash and Sudeep. This substantial wealth has been accumulated through decades of consistent box office success, smart business decisions, brand endorsements, and strategic investments in real estate and other ventures across Karnataka.

His financial portfolio is as diverse as his filmography — spanning from his primary income as a leading actor to his production house earnings through Thoogudeepa Productions, distribution revenue through Thoogudeepa Distributors, property holdings across Karnataka, and a jaw-dropping collection of luxury vehicles. Darshan’s net worth in rupees reflects not just his star power but the financial discipline and shrewd decision-making that has kept him at the top of Sandalwood for over two decades.

Breaking Down the Numbers

  • Film Remuneration: Darshan commands approximately ₹15 crore to ₹25 crore per film as his acting fee, with senior journalist Ganesh Kasargod revealing that producers pay at least ₹3 crore as advance for major projects.
  • Real Estate Holdings: His property portfolio including his Bengaluru residence and land near Mysuru is estimated to be worth upward of ₹40 to ₹50 crore.
  • Vehicle Collection: His prized collection of luxury and super-luxury cars is collectively valued at over ₹20 crore, one of the most impressive in South Indian cinema.
  • Brand Endorsements: Endorsement deals with regional and national brands contribute an estimated ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore per endorsement annually to his overall income.
  • Production Ventures: His involvement in film production through Thoogudeepa Productions and distribution through Thoogudeepa Distributors adds a significant and growing revenue stream to his total net worth picture.

How Does Darshan Earn His Money? Primary Income Sources

Darshan’s wealth comes from multiple well-established income streams that have grown steadily alongside his career. From his premium acting fees to production involvement, endorsements, and business ventures, his financial model reflects the kind of diversification that keeps top stars financially resilient even through industry cycles.

Film Remuneration

As the undisputed D Boss of Kannada cinema, Darshan commands one of the highest per-film fees in Sandalwood, reportedly ranging between ₹15 crore and ₹25 crore per project — a remarkable journey from his early days when he earned less than ₹1 lakh for his first ten films. His consistent ability to deliver commercially successful films has given him the leverage to negotiate premium contracts, and producers willingly meet his fee knowing that his name alone guarantees strong opening weekend numbers across Karnataka’s single-screen and multiplex circuit.

His remuneration grew significantly after the blockbuster success of Kaatera, which became the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2024, further cementing his position as the most bankable star in the industry. Few actors in South Indian cinema can consistently deliver the kind of mass entertainer numbers that the Challenging Star brings to every project he undertakes, which is precisely why producers continue to line up despite his premium pricing.

Film Production and Distribution

In 2006, Darshan established Thoogudeepa Productions, his own production house whose first venture Jothe Jotheyali ran for 150 days in theaters and became a strong commercial success. By producing select projects, he not only earns a share of box office revenues but also retains creative control — a smart dual benefit that both protects his brand and grows his wealth simultaneously.

In 2013, his family founded Thoogudeepa Distributors, which handles the distribution of Kannada films and adds another meaningful revenue stream to his portfolio. Distribution rights, satellite deals, OTT streaming rights, and music rights from his productions add layers of passive income that continue generating revenue long after a film’s theatrical run has ended — a back-end income model that keeps his net worth in rupees growing even in years when his acting output is limited.

Brand Endorsements and Public Appearances

Darshan’s mass appeal and strong regional following make him an attractive brand ambassador for companies targeting Karnataka and South Indian consumers. He has been the brand ambassador for the Forest Department of Karnataka Government since 2019, and his social media presence with over 2.5 million followers on Instagram alone makes him an attractive choice for brands seeking reach across South Indian audiences. Companies willingly pay between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore per endorsement deal, reflecting the commercial weight his name carries in the market.

Public appearances at events, brand launches, fan meets, and promotional campaigns add further income that complements his primary earnings. His presence at any major event in Karnataka carries significant commercial value, and organizers and brands pay premium appearance fees to associate their products with his widely recognized name and image.

Other Business Ventures

Beyond entertainment, Darshan has invested in real estate across Bengaluru and prime locations across Karnataka, with industry sources confirming these holdings represent a substantial and steadily appreciating portion of his total net worth. His land near Mysuru in particular is considered a significant long-term asset. These investments provide capital appreciation and serve as a stable financial foundation that protects and grows his wealth independently of the film industry’s natural cycles.

Darshan’s Luxurious Lifestyle: How He Spends His Money

Darshan lives the life of a true Kannada film superstar — with a lifestyle that perfectly matches his blockbuster earnings and his larger-than-life screen persona. From his palatial home in Bengaluru to his sprawling property near Mysuru’s Malavalli area that houses a private mini zoo, his personal expenditures reflect both his extraordinary success and his genuine passion for the finer things in life.

Palatial Residence in Bengaluru

Darshan owns a stunning and expansive residence in Bengaluru that is widely regarded as one of the most impressive celebrity homes in Karnataka. The property features premium amenities, extensive landscaping, and the kind of architectural grandeur that reflects his status as Sandalwood’s top star. Estimated to be worth several crores, the home serves as both his primary residence and a very visible symbol of the financial heights he has reached through two decades of cinematic success.

Mini Zoo Near Mysuru

One of the most unique and talked-about aspects of Darshan’s lifestyle is his private mini zoo located near Mysuru in the Malavalli area — a one-of-a-kind personal project that reflects his deep love for nature and animals. He has also adopted an elephant and a tiger at the Mysore Zoo and during the COVID-19 pandemic made an open public appeal for donations that helped the Zoo Authority of Karnataka raise ₹1 crore to overcome their financial crisis. When the Dasara elephant Arjuna passed away during a rescue operation in December 2023, Darshan personally donated granite slabs for the construction of a memorial.

Designer Fashion and Lifestyle

Darshan is known for his impeccable personal style both on and off screen, favoring designer clothing, premium accessories, and a carefully curated public appearance that befits his superstar status. His fashion choices, expensive watch collection, and overall lifestyle presentation are closely followed by fans and Karnataka media alike, reinforcing his image as a star who genuinely lives at the very top of the entertainment world.

Darshan’s Incredible Car Collection Worth Crores

Darshan’s passion for automobiles is legendary in Kannada film industry circles, and his car collection — spanning super luxury vehicles, premium SUVs, and everyday workhorses — is collectively valued at an estimated ₹20 crore, making it one of the most impressive celebrity vehicle collections in all of South India.

The Super Luxury Cars

Lamborghini Aventador Roadster Originally white but later repainted in grey, Darshan’s Lamborghini Aventador Roadster is the crown jewel of his entire collection and one of the rarest vehicles on Indian roads. Valued at approximately ₹5 crore, this Italian supercar represents the very peak of automotive performance and exclusivity — a fitting statement for Karnataka’s biggest film star.

Lamborghini Urus Darshan’s yellow-colored Lamborghini Urus, worth around ₹3 crore, combines the drama of a supercar with the practicality of an SUV in a way that perfectly suits his bold personal style. With a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine producing 641 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.6 seconds, this is among the most performance-focused vehicles in his entire garage.

Land Rover Defender 110 Darshan’s Land Rover Defender 110, priced at ₹2.13 crore, is one of his more recent acquisitions and places him among an elite group of Indian buyers that includes Bollywood stars like Sunny Deol and Arjun Kapoor. This iconic British SUV balances rugged capability with modern luxury in a way that clearly appeals to Darshan’s adventurous personality.

Premium Cars and SUVs

  • Jaguar XKR-S — blue sports coupe with supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine
  • Range Rover Autobiography — worth several crores, preferred for comfortable city drives
  • Porsche Cayenne — luxury SUV combining performance with elegance
  • Audi Q7 — stylish and powerful German SUV for family use
  • BMW 7 Series — premium sedan for business occasions and formal appearances
  • Mercedes-Benz GLE — luxury SUV option for daily high-profile outings
  • Ford Mustang — American muscle car for spirited weekend drives
  • Toyota Vellfire — premium MPV for comfortable long-distance travel

Everyday Vehicles

  • Toyota Fortuner — reliable everyday SUV for regular city use
  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon — heavily customized for off-road adventures
  • Ford Endeavour — customized for his team’s practical transport needs
  • Mini Cooper Countryman — compact premium option for lighter days
  • Toyota Innova Crysta — primary logistics and staff vehicle
  • Toyota Hiace — for crew movement during film shoots

Major Movies That Built Darshan Net Worth in Rupees

Darshan’s box office track record is one of the strongest in Kannada cinema history, with a string of blockbusters that have not only cemented his superstar status but directly contributed to his net worth in rupees through acting fees, profit sharing, and the downstream financial benefits of being associated with consistently successful films.

Career-Defining Hits

Majestic (2002) Darshan’s breakthrough film where he played the iconic character Daasa — a performance that transformed him from a struggling newcomer into a leading man overnight and established the mass appeal that would define his entire career.

Kariya (2003) This action drama further cemented his position in Sandalwood and showcased his ability to carry a film entirely on his shoulders, building the foundation of his bankable star reputation in Karnataka.

Saarathi (2011) Became the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2011 and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor — a commercial and critical turning point that significantly elevated his market value and per-film fees.

Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2012) Perhaps his most critically acclaimed performance, portraying the 19th-century warrior with such conviction that he won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, proving he was not just a mass entertainer but also a serious actor.

Yajamana (2019) His 50th film became his biggest box office opener at that time, collecting over ₹100 crore worldwide and reigniting his box office dominance after a brief lean phase with extraordinary audience response across Karnataka.

Roberrt (2021) Despite pandemic restrictions, this action thriller achieved strong commercial success and demonstrated the Challenging Star’s unwavering star power even in the most difficult theatrical conditions the industry had ever faced.

Kranti (2023) One of the biggest Kannada releases of 2023, delivering strong box office numbers and reaffirming Darshan’s ability to carry big-budget productions entirely on his name and brand value alone.

Kaatera (2024) His most recent blockbuster became the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2024, with Darshan’s performance receiving widespread appreciation and further boosting his market value and per-film fee negotiations going forward.

Box Office Track Record

Darshan’s overall box office track record across more than 50 films is one of the most consistent in Kannada cinema, with numerous films collecting over ₹50 crore at the box office and a strike rate that very few regional film stars across India can genuinely match. His ability to appeal equally to urban multiplex audiences and rural single-screen crowds has kept him at the very top of producers’ preferred lists for over twenty years running.

Awards and Recognition Contributing to His Worth

Darshan’s award recognition has played a meaningful role in sustaining and enhancing his market value, providing the industry validation that justifies premium fees and attracts quality projects and brand partnerships.

  • Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor — Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (2013)
  • Filmfare Awards South — Best Actor Kannada (multiple nominations and wins)
  • SIIMA Awards — Best Actor Kannada (multiple years)
  • Zee Kannada Innovative Film Award — Onida Style Icon (2010)
  • Bangalore Press Club — Man of the Year (2012)
  • Suvarna Film Awards — consistent recognition across categories
  • TV9 Awards — multiple wins across career
  • South Indian International Movie Awards — nominations and recognition

These accolades have consistently reinforced his position as the premium brand in Kannada cinema — a distinction that directly translates into higher fees, better projects, and stronger endorsement opportunities that grow his net worth in rupees year after year.

Family Life and Background

Darshan was born as Hemanth Kumar on February 16, 1977, in Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnataka, into a family with deep roots in Kannada cinema. His father Thoogudeepa Srinivas was a celebrated actor in the 1980s and 1990s who passed away in 1995 before Darshan achieved stardom — a loss the actor has spoken about with deep emotion over the years. His mother Meena managed the household and supported his dreams through the difficult early years, while his brother Dinakar Thoogudeepa went on to become a film director, screenwriter, and producer, and his sister Divya maintains a relatively private life.

Darshan married Vijayalakshmi in 2003 at Dharmasthala Temple — she was a chemical engineering student when they got married, and the couple has a son named Vineesh who has shown clear interest in following his father’s cinematic footsteps. His family background in cinema gave him an early advantage in understanding the industry, but Darshan worked exceptionally hard to create his own unique identity rather than relying solely on his father’s legacy and name.

His personal life has seen its share of public attention and controversy over the years, but through it all the family’s deep connection to Karnataka’s entertainment world and the values instilled by his parents have remained a constant thread running through everything Darshan has achieved professionally and financially.

Comparing Darshan Net Worth in Rupees with Other Kannada Stars

ActorEstimated Net WorthPer Film FeePrimary Strength
Darshan Thoogudeepa₹100 – ₹250 crore₹15 – ₹25 croreMass entertainers, box office dominance
Yash₹300 – ₹400 crore₹60 – ₹100 croreKGF franchise, pan-India stardom
Sudeep (Kiccha)₹125 crore₹10 – ₹25 croreVersatility, pan-India presence
Puneeth Rajkumar (legacy)₹150 crore (estate)All-round stardom, brand value
Upendra₹75 – ₹100 crore₹10 – ₹15 croreCult following, creative versatility

While Yash leads the Kannada industry in net worth following the global KGF franchise success, Darshan remains firmly in the top tier of Sandalwood’s wealthiest stars. His consistent domestic box office performance and diversified income sources keep his financial standing exceptionally strong even without the kind of pan-India breakout that elevated Yash to an entirely different category.

Darshan’s Philanthropy and Social Work

Despite his superstar lifestyle, Darshan has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to giving back to the community that has supported his career across decades. He adopted an elephant and a tiger at the Mysore Zoo and made a public appeal for donations that helped the Zoo Authority of Karnataka raise ₹1 crore to overcome their COVID-19 financial crisis — a remarkable act of advocacy that showed his reach extended well beyond cinema into genuine public welfare.

His fanbase — one of the most organized and passionate in Karnataka — regularly conducts social service activities in his name, from blood donation camps and tree plantation drives to educational support programs for underprivileged children across the state. Darshan has actively encouraged and supported these fan-led initiatives, recognizing the positive community impact they create and the responsibility that comes with the kind of cultural influence he holds.

Beyond organized charity, Darshan is known for personal acts of generosity toward individuals in need, including supporting families of daily wage film industry workers who face financial hardship. When the Dasara elephant Arjuna died during a rescue operation in December 2023, he personally donated granite slabs for the memorial construction — a gesture that earned widespread appreciation and reflected the depth of his commitment to causes he genuinely cares about.

Challenges and Controversies

In June 2024, Darshan was arrested in connection with a murder case — a development that put both his career and public reputation under significant pressure and created an extremely difficult period for his professional standing and financial interests simultaneously. After spending several months in custody, he was granted interim bail in October 2024, followed by regular bail in December 2024. However, that bail was subsequently cancelled and he was sent back to custody in January 2025, where he remains awaiting trial.

These legal troubles have undoubtedly affected his public image and impacted his net worth in rupees through lost film opportunities, legal expenses, and stalled production projects. The outcome of the ongoing case will significantly influence his future career trajectory and his ability to return to the kind of active filmmaking that built his financial empire over two decades.

Despite these serious challenges, the foundation he built through Thoogudeepa Productions, Thoogudeepa Distributors, and his real estate holdings continues to provide financial stability independent of his acting career — a testament to the importance of the income diversification strategy he pursued throughout his professional life.

Future Projects and Career Prospects

As of early 2025, Darshan is reportedly working on The Devil, directed by Prakash, which would be his much-anticipated return to the screen if his legal matters are resolved favorably. His upcoming projects are always among the most anticipated releases in the Sandalwood calendar, and the buzz surrounding any new announcement from his camp reflects the enduring excitement his name continues to generate among Karnataka’s film-going public.

His production ventures through Thoogudeepa Productions are also expected to expand in coming years, with Darshan taking a more active role in shaping the content he both produces and acts in. The Kannada film industry has been growing steadily with pan-India releases and digital streaming platforms paying premium prices for regional content — an expanding landscape that could significantly benefit established stars like Darshan if his personal legal situation is resolved and he is able to return to active filmmaking.

Looking ahead, Darshan’s net worth in rupees has the potential to grow significantly once he returns to the screen with the right project. His brand value in Karnataka remains exceptionally strong among his fanbase despite the controversies, and with the combination of his production infrastructure, distribution network, and enduring audience connect, the Challenging Star’s financial story is far from over.

Investment Strategy Behind Darshan Net Worth in Rupees

Real Estate as a Core Foundation Darshan has consistently invested in real estate across Bengaluru and prime locations in Karnataka including the Mysuru region, recognizing property as the most stable and appreciating asset class for long-term wealth preservation. His land holdings alone represent a substantial portion of his total net worth in rupees.

Production and Distribution Infrastructure By establishing Thoogudeepa Productions in 2006 and Thoogudeepa Distributors in 2013, Darshan created institutional revenue streams that generate income independent of his personal acting fees — a smart structural investment that few Kannada actors have replicated with equal success.

Brand Building Through Consistency By delivering commercially successful films consistently over two decades, Darshan built the Challenging Star and D Boss brands into financial assets worth crores in themselves — enabling premium fees and partnerships that comparable talent without equivalent brand recognition simply cannot command.

Vehicle and Tangible Asset Acquisition His ₹20 crore car collection, while a lifestyle reflection, also represents stored tangible value in high-end assets. His Lamborghini Aventador and Lamborghini Urus alone are valued at approximately ₹8 crore combined — assets that retain significant value over time.

Fan Ecosystem as Commercial Infrastructure Darshan’s extraordinarily organized fan network across Karnataka functions as a commercial ecosystem that supports box office openings, drives brand visibility, and creates a built-in audience guarantee that producers factor directly into their investment decisions — making his fanbase an indirect but measurable financial asset of real and significant value.

Lessons from Darshan’s Financial Success

Consistency Beats Occasional Brilliance Darshan’s two-decade run at the top of Kannada cinema demonstrates that sustained consistency in delivering audience-friendly mass entertainers builds far more durable financial success than occasional brilliant films separated by long gaps and reinventions.

Diversify Income Early His move into production through Thoogudeepa Productions and distribution through Thoogudeepa Distributors early in his career meant that when any single income stream faced pressure, others continued to generate returns — a financial lesson that applies well beyond the film industry.

Brand Value is a Financial Asset The Challenging Star brand Darshan built is worth crores independently, enabling him to command fees and partnerships that would be unavailable to actors with comparable talent but lesser brand recognition and audience loyalty across Karnataka.

Know Your Core Audience Darshan has always understood that his mass audience across Karnataka’s single-screen circuit is his greatest financial asset, and he has never compromised on the kind of mass entertainment they expect — a market discipline that protected his commercial value through every phase of his career.

Reinvest in Your Craft and Business By continuously reinvesting in quality productions and maintaining high production values in films he associates with, Darshan ensured his brand remains linked to premium entertainment — a virtuous cycle that protects and grows his financial standing year after year.

What Makes Darshan Worth His Premium Fees?

Guaranteed Opening Weekend Numbers Darshan’s name on a film virtually guarantees strong opening weekend collections across Karnataka, particularly in single-screen theaters where his D Boss mass appeal is strongest and most commercially reliable for producers making large investments.

Pan-Karnataka Appeal Unlike some actors who are popular only in urban areas, Darshan has exceptionally strong appeal across both rural and urban Karnataka — a breadth of audience connect that makes him one of the safest commercial investments a Kannada film producer can make.

Action Hero Credibility Darshan’s physical presence, intense action performance capabilities, and screen authority make him the undisputed go-to choice for the high-octane mass entertainers that consistently perform best at the Kannada box office — a niche where he has no genuine equal in the industry today.

Proven Track Record Spanning Decades With over 50 films and consistent commercial success spanning more than twenty years, Darshan offers producers a level of proven reliability that no newer star can match — a track record that justifies premium investment from a pure financial risk management perspective.

Complete Entertainment Package His combination of dancing ability, action sequences, powerful dialogue delivery, and commanding screen presence makes him a complete entertainer — a rare combination that critical acclaim alone from Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna to Kaatera has consistently demonstrated across very different types of projects.

FAQs

What is Darshan’s net worth in rupees? 

Darshan Thoogudeepa’s net worth is estimated between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore as of 2025, accumulated through acting, production, distribution, endorsements, and real estate.

How much does Darshan charge per film? 

Darshan reportedly charges between ₹15 crore and ₹25 crore per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Kannada cinema.

What is Darshan’s most successful film? 

Kaatera (2024) became the highest-grossing Kannada film of that year, while Yajamana (2019) and Roberrt (2021) are among his biggest career milestones.

Does Darshan own any businesses outside films? 

Yes — he owns Thoogudeepa Productions (2006), Thoogudeepa Distributors (2013), and has significant real estate investments across Karnataka.

What is Darshan’s real name? 

Darshan’s real name is Hemanth Kumar. He was born on February 16, 1977, in Ponnampet, Kodagu, Karnataka.

What is Darshan’s car collection worth? 

Darshan’s car collection including his Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Urus, and Land Rover Defender is collectively estimated at over ₹20 crore.

What happened to Darshan in 2024? 

Darshan was arrested in June 2024 in connection with a murder case. He received interim bail in October 2024 and regular bail in December 2024, but his bail was later cancelled and he returned to custody in January 2025 awaiting trial.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Darshan Net Worth in Rupees

Darshan Thoogudeepa’s net worth in rupees — estimated between ₹100 crore and ₹250 crore — is the financial reflection of one of the most remarkable careers in Kannada cinema history, built through consistent box office performance, smart business decisions through Thoogudeepa Productions and Thoogudeepa Distributors, and an unbreakable bond with the mass audience of Karnataka over more than two decades.

From earning less than ₹1 lakh for his early films to commanding ₹15 to ₹25 crore per project today, the Challenging Star’s financial journey mirrors his artistic evolution — from a struggling newcomer in Ponnampet, Kodagu, to the undisputed D Boss of Sandalwood whose name alone fills single screens across Karnataka every opening weekend.

While the legal challenges of 2024 and 2025 have created genuine uncertainty about his immediate future, the financial empire he built through diversified income streams — acting fees, production, distribution, real estate, and brand endorsements — remains structurally sound and continues generating returns independent of his personal situation on any given day.

Whether you measure his worth in rupees, in box office collections, in fan devotion across Karnataka, or in the cultural icon status he has achieved through films from Majestic to Kaatera — Darshan Thoogudeepa’s legacy in Kannada cinema is worth far more than any single number can capture, making him not just one of Sandalwood’s wealthiest but one of its most genuinely significant and enduring figures in the full history of South Indian entertainment.

Whether he bounces back from current challenges or not, the story of how a boy from Ponnampet, Kodagu built a ₹100 crore+ empire through talent, consistency, and smart financial decisions will remain one of the most inspiring chapters in the history of Indian regional cinema for years to come.

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