BOLLYWOOD
Ayushmann Khurrana on his recent successes and upcoming films
Ayushmann Khurrana is on a roll with five back-to-back hits in the last three years. Recently, he added another feather to his cap by bagging the National Award for his performance in AndhaDhun. To celebrate and take a break from work, the actor went on a week-long holiday abroad with his wife Tahira Kashyap Khurrana and children — Virajvir and Varushka. “Going to Australia with my family was the best detox — It was good fun,” says the 34-year-old, who is now back to the grind, promoting his next, Dream Girl. Here, he talks about his upcoming films and being hailed as the poster boy for quirky, content-driven movies.
Yes, I have a feeling of gratitude. It’s a thin line that I’m treading between contentment and ambition right now. I’m feeling happy and simultaneously, there’s this need to do more. You’re rewarded, awarded, getting good scripts, the buzz is good for the next film. and you still want to explore more territories. I am in that phase.
It was unique in a way because it’s going back to the roots. Traditionally, in Ram Leela and all these folklore, plays or theatre, most of the actors who play female characters are males. This is the story about that guy. And for some reason, his father is not that proud of the fact that he’s playing a girl in Ram Leela. But, he is gifted — he can talk in two voices, both male and female — he utilises this talent of his and joins a call centre. Some men fall in love with him, and it is about how he deals with the situation. Not only is it unique, but also quirky at the same time.
No, but I’ve done something like this in my radio days, because, of course, it’s voice-driven. And I did some prank calls, too. Also, I remember when I was 14 or 15, I was dating my first girlfriend and whenever her dad used to pick up the phone, I would talk like a girl and ask for her (laughs). I’ve done that in the past because that time one’s going on the cusp of childhood and puberty.
It was fine, but it’s just that because our film was in sync-sound, the transition from the male to female voice was not that smooth. So, I went to the studio gave 40-odd takes and then hit the right note.
I got a message from Rohit Dhawan (filmmaker); he loved the trailer. This film, of course, is a tribute to the ’90s David Dhawan kind of comedy where there is more elbow room for an actor to perform. Not only audiences but I also got feedback from industry insiders, trade people, who normally send me congratulatory texts only after the film becomes a hit or something. On the basis of a trailer, I had got messages from them earlier for Badhaai Ho and now for Dream Girl.
A still from Dream Girl
Yes, and this film is my most masala, commercial outing. I’ve not played with subtleties at all. I have gone all out and played on the front foot as far as the acting or portrayal of the character is concerned. It goes slapstick also in between. That’s the tonality of our film.
It did. I think every actor has one staple, one zone. Mine is quirky slice-of-life films. And, I’m really happy in this zone because they always offer something unique. At the same time, themes that have not been tested before in Indian cinema are explored. So, it gives you a lot of scope for people to get excited for the subject of the film. It started with my first film and went forward with Dum Laga Ke Haisha.
That was because, I was not getting those kind of scripts. Immediately after Vicky Donor, I was struggling to get the right kind of script because it set such a benchmark. And then, there was actually no quirky subject that I was offered. They were not getting made after Vicky Donor. So, for two-three years, I had no choice. I was doing what I was getting. There was a learning curve also at the same time.
I guess now it is happening because there’s solid competition from digital medium, from the OTT platforms. If you don’t have something unique to offer, the audience will think twice before spending money for the tickets because they can obviously see a lot of amazing stuff happening on the web. The trend began three-four years back, and everybody’s driven towards getting attracted to content-based cinema. But I guess it started with Vicky Donor because a subject like sperm donation was seen by family audience. That was kind of a case study.
You can say that. I’m proud to be a part of that wave.
Next up is Bala, which is based on a guy suffering from receding hairline. In a country like India, I’ve explored far-fetched topics like sperm donation and erectile dysfunction (Shubh Mangal Saavdhan), but receding hairline is the most common among males. Fifty per cent of men after the age of 30 suffer from hair reduction, even women for that matter. So, we’ve explored that. Again, that’s quirky, motivational and a lot of fun. Then comes Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan where I play a homosexual. This is the first mainstream film with homosexuality in its forefront. We’re not shying away from anything on that front. After that there is Gulabo Sitabo. It is a slice-of-life film, but there is no one liner I can tell you about it. In the movie both me and Bachchan Saab are at loggerheads.
I had met him socially but on the sets, it was very different. He comes really prepared with everything. He knows your lines also. He’s an institution, he’s a living legend. Thankfully, he is that co-actor who’s very collaborative. So, the butterflies were gone when I met him on the set.
I would love to, but I have films like Gulabo Sitabo and Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan coming out next year. Right now, I am taking it easy and waiting for the right script.
How Trump’s ‘America First’ policy opens doors for India’s regional power
42-year-old retired player breaks silence on registering for IPL, says, 'I have never...'
'Main pairon mein gir gaya': Virat Kohli recalls memorable encounter with Sachin Tendulkar - Watch
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries loses over Rs 4 lakh crore in market cap due to..
West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph suspended for two ODIs; here's why
Himachal CM Sukhu's samosas, cakes served to security staff; CID probe on
Meet Tamanna Bharat, who is all set to represent India at Miss Asia Global 2024 in Kerala
Bengaluru coconut vendor's viral ad challenges Zepto, Blinkit prices, netizen says 'let him cook'
Vvan: Sidharth Malhotra drops motion poster of folk mythological thriller, Kiara Advani reacts
Virat Kohli gets embarrassed as crowd sings 'Happy Birthday to you' in live event, WATCH viral video
Gym and fitness is all about overall health, not just good looks: BigMuscles Nutrition’s Suhel Vats
Station master's phone call with ex-wife led to Rs 3 crore loss to railways, know how
Uproar in J-K Assembly as BJP members protest over special status resolution
Aligarh Muslim University entitled to minority status under Article 30: SC
Collaborative global response a must to combat climate change effectively: Dr Sanju Purohit
Viral: Man rants about his GenZ colleague's leave to heal from breakup, gets trolled
Splitsvilla, Crime Petrol-fame actor Nitin Chauhaan passes away at 35 allegedly by suicide
Worrying signs for Mukesh Ambani's Rs 840960 crore company? Elon Musk will push Donald Trump to...
Have Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma moved back to Mumbai? Here's what we know
Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani are fond of these five dishes which cost Rs...
Meet Indian-origin Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, who could be Donald Trump's likely pick for CIA Chief
Donald Trump's second term worries Elon Musk's transgender daughter, says....
Meet IAS officer, who was a disabled bangle seller, cracked UPSC exam, is now serving in...
Meet IAS officer, who is nemesis of criminals, cracked UPSC exam with AIR 36, she is...
SC to pronounce verdict on Aligarh Muslim University's minority status today
Happy Chhath Puja 2024: Top 50 wishes, What'sApp messages, quotes to share with your loved ones
Viral video: Woman's sensual dance to 'namak' sets internet on fire, watch
SA vs IND, 1st T20I: Predicted playing XIs, live streaming details, weather and pitch report
SA vs IND, 1st T20I Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for South Africa vs India match
Meet man who is set to lead Truecaller, not from IIT, IIM, earlier served Vice President of...
DNA TV Show: Why Pakistan worried about a Donald Trump presidency
Pakistan bow down as THIS country set to host India’s Champions Trophy 2025 matches
Amid heavy pollution in Delhi, these 12 Indian cities enjoy fresh, clean air
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena confides in Kashish Kapoor about his stepdaughters, talks about his...
After S Jaishankar's conference, India slams Canada for action against Australian news channel
Sidhu Moosewala's parents share NEW pic of his baby brother, netizens say 'so cute'
‘It definitely does a lot of good to my ego’: Aishwarya Rai gets candid in film promotion interview
Ignored for Australia Tests, India star slams sensational Ranji Trophy double ton
Interviewer asks Aishwarya Rai ‘how do you look so fab’, she says…
How Biden’s Lame-Duck Period Could Influence Policy Decisions After Choosing Not to Run in 2024
Watch: Viral video shows heated argument between passengers in Delhi metro
Virat Kohli's 'new chapter for me' post ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy sends internet into frenzy
Mukesh Ambani, India's richest man, donated over Rs 400 crore in one year, Gautam Adani gave Rs...
Delhi: Air pollution in national capital spike during Chhath Puja, AQI reaches 'severe' level
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 2nd ODI live in India?
'I gain weight as body...' Arjun Kapoor reveals being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease
Stark Visas: The Best Immigration Consultant in Delhi Sets Immigration Dreams High in Ahmedabad
KREEVA targets top 1% elite for its ultra-luxury homes in Delhi-NCR’s prime locations
Tata Group acquires another company for over Rs 18 crore days after Noel Tata joins board
WPL 2025 Retentions: Full list of players retained and released by all 5 franchises
ED raids main vendors of Amazon, Flipkart across multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai due to...
Anil Ambani suffers major setback, his company banned for 3 years due to...
Meet woman, a cuddler, professional hugger, earns Rs 7400 in 1 hour, she is...