Happy-go-lucky

Mona

Ayushmann Khurrana and Bhumi Pednekar’s latest film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan touches a taboo subject (sexual disorder), something that both these actors have done before — Ayushmann with Vicky Donor and Bhumi with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. The talented stars talk about the movie and more. 

What made you say yes to Shubh Mangal Saavdhan?

Ayushmann: It’s a love story about Mudit Sharma and Sugandha, and touches a taboo subject; reading the script I jumped up to play this urban guy.

Bhumi: I have an affinity for different kind of films. And, it has been by far the funniest script I have come across; I was down on the floor rolling in laughter listening to this one.

It hardly seems like a subject for a family movie, were you apprehensive?

Ayushmann: It is important to know who is backing the film. With Anand L Rai backing the film, one would know that it’s not going overboard selling the edginess of the subject. 

BHuMI: It’s a family entertainer that at no point makes fun of the protagonist’s problem; it finds a solution.

Before signing the film, did you take your family into consideration?

Ayushmann: My wife reads all my scripts anyway. She read this one too and liked the way it touched a subject people tend to brush under the carpet. We both are artistes, so it was good.

Bhumi: After me, my mother is the first one to read the scripts. She found the story entertaining and educative, and gave a happy go-ahead.

It’s your second film together. Given the theme, was there any awkwardness?

Ayushmann: Bhumi is a dear friend and we talk about anything under the sun. And working with a progressive friend and a dedicated actor, this was no issue.

Bhumi: I am very good friends with Ayushmann, so we share a certain comfort level. He is such an inspiring actor and working with him is always a delight.

Censor Board till very recently had a conservative approach towards issues, were you anxious about your film hitting trouble?

Ayushmann: No. We were sure of our content. With Prasoon Ji and Vidya Ji, it was not any trouble at all.

Bhumi: No. Ours is a funny romcom that you can see with a 10-year-old! 

You think Indian audiences, fed on the dose of commercial cinema, is ready for such subjects as yet?

Ayushmann: Definitely. My first was lapped up by the audience despite it touching another taboo subject. People are up for different content, which is huge victory for all of us.

Bhumi: I am 100 per cent sure. There have been enough of commercial plots; audiences enjoy different and meaningful cinema today, and I feel fortunate to be part of it.

What next for you?

Ayushmann: First, I am hoping that Shubh Mangal Saavdhan gets the same love as I have been getting for Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Bhumi has also been enjoying with Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. Next, I am shooting a thriller with Sriram Raghavan, which is tentatively called Shoot the Piano Player. 

Bhumi: There have been some very interesting line-ups, but ethically I would like the senior actors to speak up about them before I do.

(Shubh Mangal Saavdhan hits the screens on September 1)

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