Ayushmann Khurrana: Being a risk-taker worked for me

Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana has created a sub-genre of his own with films that highlight social issues in an entertaining manner - from Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan (2017) to Badhaai Ho (2018), from Bala (2019) to Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021). If one looks back, his debut film Vicky Donor, which released in April 2012 and removed the stigma around sperm donation, perfectly reflected his brand of cinema. As the actor completes a decade in Bollywood today, he is exhilarated by his journey. Khurrana says, "For someone with no connection, no inroads in the Hindi film industry, I am grateful that I found quality mentors who believed in me and guided me to where I'm today. Vicky Donor became my calling card to the industry about the movies that I would like to back." He is grateful to the makers for "trusting a rookie" like him with the social comedy. "[Today] brings back a deluge of fond memories, reminds me of my days of struggle, exasperation, determination, small joys and big successes."

While he had a few bumpy years following Vicky Donor, the actor eventually found stories that matched his creative sensibilities, resulting in movies that went beyond entertainment to champion bigger causes. How does he view his 10-year run in showbiz? "Being a purist to my craft and being a risk-taker worked for me. I walked the path less travelled. Today, when I look back at my body of work, I'm proud of my decisions. [My run] has further reinforced my belief about never picking safe scripts," states the actor, who has social dramas Anek and Doctor G in the pipeline.