'Do not live in a bubble'

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana was in the City recently for the Smirnoff ICE launch event. It was definitely an ice-breaker. Singing his signature song ‘Pani Da’ and greeting his admirers in Kannada saying, ‘Nanage neevu ishta’, Ayushmann got everyone in the mood.

After creating a stir in the industry with various performances, most notably in ‘Vicky Donor’, he is all set to delight his fans in his upcoming flicks. “My two releases are coming early next year. One is ‘Hawaizadaa’ and the other one is ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ that will be releasing in January and March respectively. I am really excited about these two films. Both are textured and concept-based and I am not playing the guy-next-door,” says the actor-singer.

Busy with a number of projects, Ayushmann says that the industry is calm and that there isn’t as much pressure on actors as assumed. “A lot of people think that there is too much competition in the industry. But I think there are a lot of opportunities along with competition. If I had joined the industry ten years back, it wouldn’t have been easy to make a transition from television to acting. Now anybody who has a connection with the masses can be here,” he says.

Entering the small screen as a VJ, he has now acted in three Bollywood flicks and also stepped ahead as a singer. When asked about his inspirations, he says, “My father was my biggest inspiration. My grandmother, who used to sing in gurudwaras, also inspired me. So it is all in my blood.”

Despite being one of the most sought-after hunks of Bollywood, Ayushmann remains a down-to-earth person. From being an interviewer to the interviewed guest, the VJ-turned-actor says that it is an honour to be on the other side. “I want to express my gratitude. I am quite fortunate. I don’t think a lot of people get the opportunity to make the shift from taking interviews to giving interviews. It is very surreal at the same time. I am blessed. I have also realised that it is easy for me to ask questions and answer them as well,” Ayushmann says.

The actor, who has visited Bengaluru several times, says that the Garden City is a combination of two of his favourite cities. “I used to host the IPL matches in Chinnaswamy Stadium and I love Bengaluru. My two favourite cities are Chandigarh and Mumbai, which are laid-back and energetic respectively. Bengaluru is the perfect mix of these two. I can completely break the ice with the people of the City,” he adds.

This stylish Bollywood star leaves a message to the aspiring actors asking them to get out of the bubble. “Be yourself and be effortless. Do not live in a bubble. Be passionate about the art and be objective about attempt,” concludes Ayushmann.