Tune of an actor

Nonika Singh

He calls himself desi cool, believes the era of superstars is over and deems failure is his philosopher, teacher and guide. Ayushmann Khurrana, who never ceases to surprise his viewers and is ready with three back-to-back releases this year, shares his career goals, his plan B and how he intends to carve his niche as a singer actor.

First things first, the only formula he would care to repeat is be part of unconventional cinema and yet be different each time. Bareilly Ki Barfi is in a Woody Allen kind of space. Meri Pyari Bindu, a romantic film in which he plays a Bengali writer, is a love story of two neighbours. And the latest movie an Aanand L Rai production Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, which he has signed, though almost anti-Vicky Donor in its tenor and temperament brings an uncomfortable issue that of sexual problems to the fore. Like his debut film he promises it will underline a significant subject; the need to talk about sex, hitherto almost taboo, without for a moment turning sleazy. No double meaning innuendoes: an out-and-out family entertainer is what it would be.

Character calling

As he once again teams up with his co-star of Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bhumi Pednekar, who is a buddy, he lauds her and hails her as one of the few female actors who have undergone body change to suit the role. Given a chance, he too would put on weight or add muscle, actually anything to fit the part. When choosing films the only thing uppermost on his mind is, “whether the script works in totality and character is unlike anything I have done before.”

Being a rank outsider in Bollywood, this Chandigarh lad says is not such a big deal and it’s not just star kids who get multiple chances. “Today the film industry is a very egalitarian world, where only talent matters.” He has been lucky to land single hero projects or two hero films but he insists “for me Annu Kapoor in Vicky Donor and Sanjay Mishra in Dum Laga Ke Haisha were equally significant and as good as leads. Cinema is a team effort where each actor tries to work for the best interest of the film.”

Plan B

Ever since he joined the industry, he has always had a plan B in place. If back then it was anchoring, today its musical concerts, which ensure he doesn’t have to say yes to anything and everything that comes his way. Moreover, he is eyeing that unusual space of singer-actor in Bollywood, as it’s far less crowded. You bet he has sung in all three upcoming films. And no, he is not paid extra for singing. Nor is it mandatory for the directors to give him a song or two. But singing is something he takes very seriously and regular riyaaz is a must. Success or failure of the film, however, doesn’t bother him much. “Today it’s a very volatile market. Except for the Khans, Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar, actors are just stars shining at a particular point in time.”

Yes, he too has had a mixed record at the box-office but, “as long as my role is appreciated it doesn’t really matter.” When he came to Mumbai, he did have a roadmap in mind and was acutely aware that he had to be noticed before someone would put his money on him and launch him.

Today, as many are ready to place their bets on him, all he wants is quality work and scripts that challenge the actor in him. While the actor, who might get to rub shoulders with powerhouse of talent, Tabu, is clearly on a song, the singer within is happy releasing singles and seize the chance as and when he can lend voice to his character.

Home front

Carrying the married status to filmdom is never easy.  Though, luckily, rumours have not cast their shadow on his relationship with wife Tahira Kasyhap, work pressures do interfere with his responsibilities as father and husband. The trick to remain happily married, he says, is, “Never lose the friendship that you share with your spouse. For, friendship lasts forever.”

Either way its ‘character first’ for this singer actor. [email protected]