Ayushmann Khurrana has had a golden phase in Bollywood in the last few years like no other. The actor has been a hit machine in the true sense of the term and has delivered back to back hits with Andhadhun and Badhaai Ho last year. And now Ayushmann has gone fully commercial to explore himself in Ekta Kapoor’s next, ‘Dream Girl’. In a candid conversation with IWMBuzz, Ayushmann reveals all about his journey, National Award, Dream Girl, future plans and more…
Ayushmann, you just won the National Award and are on a high. Is there any pressure right now or is it the same as before?
Answer – I think it’s a very happy pressure and I am happy I have it. I think the National Award is perfect validation about the fact that my choices have been right. I want to keep the basics right. I don’t want to get overwhelmed with the name of the director or co-actor. I want to keep things simple. I just want everything to be natural.
Ayushmann, 5 hits in a row. And also all 5 have got critical acclaim too. So forget you, is there any change in the perception of people around you and towards you?
Answer – I just want to try different things. For me, ‘Dream Girl’ is very different. It is the most masala I have gone and the most commercial I have gone. Generally, I have been subtle in my films, but for this one, I have gone all out. This is actually an ode to the 90s. I have taken the Govinda out of me.
Do you take anyone’s advice before signing a film?
Answer – Absolutely not. I go with my gut and feel. My wife reads the script and my manager Sunita, she reads the script. I keep my basics right. It has to be absolutely fresh content for Indian cinema. Secondly, the content should be good enough to last for 2 hours. Sometimes, the concept is fresh but it’s not good enough for 2 hours. Thirdly, it has to have some kind of value addition.
How difficult was it to transform into a girl?
Answer – It was very difficult. Being a girl is not easy. You had to shave and all and by evening the stubble would arrive. The physicality was very difficult. It’s difficult being a girl. Add to that, the makeup and the hair extensions. It was very difficult.
Lastly Ayushmann, can we see you singing more often? Maybe something like starting your own YouTube channel or something?
Answer – Well, right now, I don’t have the bandwidth for a YouTube channel. I would love to, though in a year’s time. As far as singing is concerned, I do have a version in almost every film. But as far as a YouTube channel is concerned, not right now.