I have always been a very practical and realistic person - Ayushmann Khurrana | Exclusive Interview

There is no doubt about the fact that Ayushmann Khurrana is one of the finest artists that we have in the industry today. Over the years, Khurrana has worked hard and proved his mettle not just as an actor, but also as a successful singer, composer, host, writer among others. Right from his debut in the award winning Vicky Donor, Delhi ka munda Khurrana has consistently raised the bar for himself. After earning accolades for his performance in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and winning hearts with popular singles like Yahin hoon main and Ik Vaari, Khurrana is all set to wow the audience in the avatar of a writer - Abhimanyu Roy. As Meri Pyaari Bindu releases today, we catch up with Ayushmann Khurrana, who discusses films, family and life in an exclusive interview with Diary of a Dancebee. Excerpts from a candid chat:

You are seen playing a Bengali character in Meri Pyaari Bindu. What were the aspects or nuances that you picked up for this role? 

I strongly believe that I am half Bengali! I have a Punjabi body with a Bengali soul (smiles). This time, when I went to Kolkata for Meri Pyaari Bindu, I discovered certain things about the city. First was Rabindra Sangeet. I heard some of the songs and have started liking it. I have also read many Bengali novels. Among them, Chokher Bali is my favourite. I have also noticed that in Kolkata two cities exist. The night life of Kolkata is very active. Park Street is so alive throughout the night. Then, there is North Kolkata, where one can see the old heritage buildings standing for hundreds of years. People over there don't want to change anything, as they want to preserve the heritage and culture.

How come you haven't gone behind the mic for this film?

I knew this from the beginning that I am not going to sing in this film. Here, the singer is Parineeti aka Bindu. Even in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, I haven't sung at all. There, I was a big Kumar Sanu fan, but never sang. Sometimes, I truly believe the singer should take a backseat, and the actor should come in the forefront.  

I strongly believe that I am half Bengali! I have a Punjabi body with a Bengali soul

Tell us a little bit about your affair with the music. 

My passion for music started off with pure, filmy songs. I remember the first Hindi film I watched on big screen was Tezaab. I used to keep chanting 'Mohini Mohini' for a long time. That was the time when we used to hire Colour TV and VCR  to watch movies at home. Then, I watched Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Baazigar. Songs from these films impressed me. Later on, when I went to college, I had some western music influence as well. At home, all of us would listen to old hindi film music. In fact, my grandmother used to sing at the Gurdwara, so that influence was definitely there. Then, I listened to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Ghulam Mustafa. My range developed in a very broad way. 

  

How have you dealt with the failures in your professional life?

I have always been a very practical and realistic person. I detach myself from a film after the release. Also, I know failure is the best teacher anyone could have. In the last five years, I have learnt a lot and all that has certainly helped me grow. Plus, I have worked in two National Award winning films -- Vicky Donor and Dum Laga Ke Haisha. So, that feels great!

Failure is the best teacher anyone could have

From Vicky Donor to Meri Pyaari Bindu, you have created your own space in the industry. How do you look at your journey so far?

I guess, you need to play in your own space within the industry. Do something which people are not expecting you to do. I am a commercial film hero, but my focus has always been on doing something different. Once, I remember Aditya Chopra telling me that an extension of my real life should come up on the screen. When you do different roles in your career, you should also feel the change within. 

You are one of the few actors from the recent lot to have experienced fatherhood quite early. How do you take time out for the family, in between a hectic schedule? 

Yes! Probably, also the youngest father in the industry (smiles). Well, I am definitely not strict or tough with my kids. I am hardly in the city. Earlier, I was not being able to give much time to them. However, now that my family has moved with me to Mumbai, I plan to spend more time with them.

 For exclusive updates and buzz, follow us on Twitter | Instagram | Snapchat | Facebook