The chosen one

The powerhouse performer Ayushmann Khurrana, who has delivered eight hits in a row, has etched his name in the history of Indian cinema with his progressive social entertainers. And now, Ayushmann has made it to the list of top 100 Most Influential People of 2020. Some of the other global artistes to feature in this list are music sensations Selena Gomez and The Weekend, the visionary director of Parasite Bong Joon Ho, Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame and Michaela Coel, who became a rage across the world for the visionary show I May Destroy You. Only five Indians have been featured in this list which include Ayushmann Khurrana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CEO of Google Sundar Pichai, London-based Indian origin doctor Ravindra Gupta, who found a cure for AIDS and Bilkis – Dadi of Shaheen Bagh.

Ayushmann is the youngest among these five Indians. The actor shares, “As an artiste, I have only looked to contribute towards bringing a positive change in society through cinema and this moment is a huge validation of my belief system and my journey. I have always believed that cinema has the power to bring about a change by triggering the right conversations among people and society. Hopefully, through my content choices, I have been able to contribute towards my country and countrymen.”

As soon as the news broke, several industry friends of the actor sent congratulatory messages on social media. Ayushmann’s profile in the list has been penned by Deepika Padukone who wrote, “I remember Ayushmann Khurrana vividly from his debut film, Vicky Donor. He had, of course, been a part of the entertainment industry in various other ways for several years before that, but the reason you and I talk about him today is because of the impact he has been able to create through memorable films and iconic characters. Where male protagonist roles often fall into the trap of stereotypical masculinity, Ayushmann has successfully and convincingly transformed into characters who challenge those very stereotypes.”