Ayushmann Khurrana's hair raising tales

Ayushmann Khurrana

Even as his film on pre-mature balding releases today, Bala actor Ayushmann Khurrana and the film's makers are facing accusations of plagiarism from two independent filmmakers. While Kamal Kant Chandra, who is working on his debut film Marksheet, approached the Supreme Court against the makers, filmmaker Naman Goyal has knocked on the doors of the Jaipur district court. Having courted similar controversies in the past, Khurrana, a picture of calm as he sits before us at a suburban office, says, "There were a lot of scripts on the same subject and I chose the one involving the best director and producer."

In an era where unusual story-lines are being welcomed with open arms, Khurrana doesn't find it unnatural for several filmmakers to arrive at the same concept. "I was offered five scripts on the same subject. I did not read any, apart from this," he says, making a case for himself against Chandra's allegations that he took his script to Bala producer Dinesh Vijan to work on. "Quirky scripts are raking in good money, so writers are seeking out such stories."

One to keep an arm's length from controversies, Khurrana asserts that he wasn't offended by the claims, but puts forth a crucial point. "In the past, I have fought with producers to give credits to writers on posters, when it was due. I will continue to do so. My conscience is clear. I have worked my way up with a lot of hard work and dignity. I am not capable of doing something like that."

Meanwhile, having carved a niche for himself with atypical films, the actor promises that this is a subject that can hold viewers' attention throughout its runtime. "I have explored unusual subjects, but this is more relatable [than them]. With almost 40 per cent men facing pre-mature balding after the age of 30, this film will appeal to more people."

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