Ayushmann Khurrana says he enjoys being part of unconventional films and working with young directors. He chats with Divya Kaushik about exploring his acting abilities with diverse characters
Calm and composed are definitely not the words that come to mind when we think of Ayushmaann Khurrana. But the man can be a revelation. The actor, who is known for his wit and multiple talents in the industry, doesn’t like to fake attitude. “I would rather be myself. It becomes very difficult to be someone else on screen and to be a different person off screen as well. It becomes too complicated to play multiple roles. I only love exploring characters and different human shades on screen,” says the actor, whose film Bewakoofiyaan with Sonam Kapoor released recently. It is his first “commercial” film and it marks his entry in a big banner like Yash Raj Films. “It was a huge challenge for me to play this urban Delhi guy. I wanted to try something different and since it is my first commercial film, I enjoyed working with experienced stars like Sonam Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor. This film offered me a different kind of space to explore my acting skills. like every actor it was on my wish list to be a part of big production house like YRF and I am happy that it came my way. I liked the story and the concept and therefore agreed. I have signed a three-film deal with YRF, this is the first film. let’s see how this experiment works at the box office,” says Ayushmann. The actor has been part of romantic comedies and on how is his latest film different from the rest, he says, “The other romantic comedies you see always paint a very rosy picture. Most of them come with larger-than-life canvas and over-the-top drama. This film presents a realistic account of a couple where a guy loses his job during recession. Romance is a part of very real situation. I feel the story is more relatable than most of the other romantic comedies.”
The film has been directed by Habib Faisal, who also directed Ishaqzaade earlier. Ayushmann says he enjoys working with young directors “as they have fresh ideas, a certain approach that still remains to be explored and they are open to taking risks.” He gives example of director Vibhu Puri. Ayushmann plays the lead role in his film BombayFairytale.
“The film is a true story. It is a biopic on the life of Shivkar Talpade, who is believed to have constructed and flown India’s first unmanned airplane in 1895. Taking him, the director has created such a separate world and is also telling the story of this unusual hero that people don’t know about. The guy is the genius and was earlier assisting Sanjay leela Bhansali. He has been a part of some internationally renowned projects. I play a Maharasthrian in the film and being a Punjabi that is really a tough task,” informs the actor.
He admits that more than commercial roles, he enjoys being part of unconventional films. He gives examples of his forthcoming films and says that each one has its own USP in terms of content. “I am doing Dum laga Ke Haisha, a Maneesh Sharma film. I play an illiterate guy who gets married to intelligent, educated but very fat girl. I play a Mahrashtrian in Vibhu’s film and a Bengali footballer in Shoojit Sircar’s next. So in each film I try to present myself differently. I evolve as an actor through such diverse characters,” he shares.
Before venturing as an actor, Ayushmann was a radio jockey, was a VJ and still pursues his passion of singing. But he says that acting gives him most satisfaction and he wants to evolve more as an actor.
“I love doing different things but acting is something that remains close to my heart. I enjoy singing and it has been my passion. Apart from acting, I also enjoy writing my blog. It is a satirical account on different issues and situations,” says Ayushmann. Directing is also part of his wish list. “I have been interested in knowing the process behind the camera. I would want to direct a film some day but before that I have a long way to go as an actor. I will keep learning about directing while I am acting,” he says.
The actor feels it has been a good journey so far and two bewakoofiyaan that he repents in his life are, “having a crush on my senior in junior class and getting married with meager Rs10,000 in my pocket. Thank God, that everything went well with my career post marriage.”