Birthday Special: Ayushmann Khurrana - Breaking taboos and becoming a star

Ayushmann Khurrana Picture Courtesy: PR

Ayushmann Khurrana is the man we saw back in 2004 on the television show ‘Roadies', which he also won. Not too many would remember but the actor has also been a film critic before being reviewed by them. He's also a singer and a lyricist. What's left to explore? Maybe direction. Coming to his films, writers always weave stories around unheard, untouched subjects and center them around Khurrana.

Given his briskness and charmingly desi demeanour, he fits into the heartland effortlessly. Right from the first film to many more in future, the actor has been addressing topics unheard or untouched, giving them mainstream touches, and making them memorable money-spinners.

In ‘Vicky Donor', he talked about sperm donation. Thanks to the commercial and critical success of this remarkable debut, the word sperm wasn't shameful anymore. The profession may not have been looked at with disdain post 2012. In ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan', he suffered from what is called Erectile Dysfunction. Again, something unique to convey to the audience, but told as entertainingly as possible. What a pity that a man is aroused by romance and passion but cannot take a step ahead.

Talking of passion and romance, in ‘Badhaai Ho', the young turks took a backseat and the elders arrived at the center stage. This Amit Sharma directorial was about an aging couple embracing intimacy and rediscovering the joy (and perhaps shame) of parenthood. Neena Gupta didn't only give birth to a child at this age in the film, she also gave birth to a new career high.

‘Bala' is perhaps his most relatable role yet. It talks about pre-mature balding and the embarrassment it accompanies. With the option of hair transplant gone, he relies on a wig that comes off later after a misunderstanding and mishap. The end suggests it's all about loving yourself, embracing incompleteness and enjoying every moment.

Khurrana's future line-up looks just as promising. He began his career by donating sperms, today rules a million hearts. He has truly come from bottom to the top.

Also Read: Ayushmann Khurrana: Fortunate to finish three new films amid pandemic