Ayushmann Khurrana, a popular Bollywood actor, is known for his disruptive and groundbreaking roles in Indian cinema. He has been hailed as the face of content-driven movies and recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s most influential people for his courageous efforts to address taboo topics.
Khurrana is the first Indian superstar to portray an openly gay character on-screen (in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan), play a bald protagonist (in Bala), and tackle sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction (in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan), sperm donation (in Vicky Donor), and body positivity (in Dum Laga Ke Haisha). In his latest film, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, he supports the inclusivity of the transgender community in India. The talented actor believes that progressive films can only be made in a society that is accepting and open-minded, and he is pleased with how India is embracing his socially relevant work.
Ayushmann says, “Progressive films can only be made in a progressive society and the response that Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui is getting is tantamount to the fact that people want to see more and more disruptive content. I am thankful to people for being open-minded to see films about a gay couple on screen in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and also about a cis-het man and a trans-woman’s love story in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui.”
The star adds, “I have always believed that cinema can serve a purpose to better society and I hope that such films have done their bit to affect change. I have played a small hand in harbouring a sentiment of equality among my countrymen because I have to credit my visionary film-makers and script-writers for doing the brunt of the work because it is their vision that has triggered the winds of change.”
Ayushmann further says, “When we set out to make Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, our aim was to start an important conversation on inclusivity and equality in India. It is amazing to see that the film has engaged the nation, is entertaining people, and also delivering a powerful message. This shows they are recognizing the need for gender parity and inclusivity.”
Ayushmann will appear in three upcoming films: Anek directed by Anubhav Sinha, Doctor G directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, and Action Hero directed by debutant Anirudh Iyer and produced by filmmaker Aanand L. Rai.
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