“My Name is Darshen” TikTok trend goes viral and Dr. Samuel is winning hearts as the ‘amazing guy’ behind the scenes

It’s a tale as old as time: two best friends finally synchronise their chaotic calendars, snag elusive travel deals, and set off on their dream vacation. But as the sun rises on day one, so do their differences. One craves the indulgence of a Michelin-starred feast, while the other clings to a meticulously planned shoestring budget. What begins as a minor disagreement quickly escalates into a flurry of passive-aggressive remarks, culminating in tension that rivals any episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. By the end, the trip might escape the confines of the group chat but the friendship, alas, often does not.

Yet Singaporean duo Darshen K and Dr. Samuel Choudhury defied this familiar narrative. Not only did they maintain harmony during their recent 17-day European adventure, but they also deepened their bond and inadvertently sparked a viral TikTok trend.

In their videos, Darshen introduces himself with model-like poise, declaring, “My name is Darshen,” while Samuel plays the dependable counterpart, carrying luggage, doing laundry, and planning their itinerary. This dynamic struck a chord, propelling Darshen to over 1.4 million TikTok followers.

“People were incredibly supportive, saying things like, ‘I want to live the Darshen lifestyle.’ It was so unexpected and honestly surprising,” shared Darshen, 31, who had been creating content for years before this breakthrough. Meanwhile, Samuel was the one tracking Darshen’s follower count every two hours and first thing in the morning.

“On our first night, no one recognised him,” Samuel recalled. “But by the last night, people were approaching him, saying, ‘Oh my God, I just saw your video! I can’t believe you’re here!’ In every city, fans came up to us. One video where a follower ‘morphed’ into Darshen’s face even hit over 700,000 likes.”

Their European trip wasn’t just about viral videos and stunning sights. It was packed with moments that highlighted their camaraderie. Samuel fondly remembers a spontaneous reenactment of the infamous Game of Thrones “walk of shame” in Dubrovnik, where Darshen dramatically declared, “Shame, shame, shame,” much to the delight of onlookers. Meanwhile, Darshen’s frequent restroom breaks became an inside joke – so much so that Samuel teased, “Next time he should travel with adult diapers.”

As their fame grows, the pair, inseparable since meeting just over two years ago say they feel lucky to lean on each other. “It’s not just me; Samuel’s creative input really shapes the videos. Plus, I think the off-camera chemistry resonates with people,” Darshen explained.

At the core, he admires Samuel’s genuine care for others: “I see it every day in how he treats people, how authentic he is. That inspired me to use this platform to be a positive influence.”

Recalling one moment, Darshen shared how Samuel helped an elderly couple struggling with a lift, a simple act that exemplifies his character. “These habits come naturally to him. I’m so grateful he’s in my life. He’s an amazing guy who has dropped everything to help me countless times. That’s why this whole journey has been such a success.”

Samuel, in turn, praised Darshen’s authenticity: “He’s just a very genuine person on camera, and I think that’s why people relate.” He also revealed how Darshen, without being asked, takes the initiative to edit and post videos for him on his medical advice accounts.

When asked why they work so well together, Darshen said, “You have to have great understanding. Sometimes people don’t say what’s bothering them because they don’t want to offend. So, you need to know each other’s strengths and boundaries first. That’s the foundation for any successful collaboration.”

Building on their success and philanthropic work with communities in Tondo, the duo launched a merch line, with part of the proceeds supporting charity. They emphasise the importance of “using fame for the right reasons.”

“It’s about giving the right spotlight to those who need to be seen, heard, and supported,” Darshen added.

Credits:

Art Direction: Adeline Eng

Photography: Angela Guo

Videography: Clement Goh

Hair and makeup: Lydia Thong of Makeup Entourage using Revlon Professional (hair) and Huda Beauty (makeup)