Aim is to present ordinary imperfect man like a hero: Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana says with his films he wants to focus on a flawed common man and make him shine like a hero. Ayushmann said initially in his career people advised him to not pick films like ‘Vicky Donor’ and ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ as the subjects were not suitable for a mainstream actor.

“A lot of people were apprehensive about choosing a role of a sperm donor, that’s why I state ‘Vicky Donor’ is kind of a case study. With ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’, a lot of people said how can you do a role of a guy suffering from erectile dysfunction, being a mainstream hero, and I was like we need to normalise that.

“That’s what my endeavour is to focus on the common imperfect man who is a hero in life. I have built up my entire career on that. The more challenging or complex the character is, I get more excited. And going with the same trajectory, I’m excited with ‘Bala’ and also ‘Shubh Mangal Zyaada Saavdhan’,” Ayushmann told PTI.

In his upcoming film, ‘Dream Girl’, Ayushmann plays the role of a young man who can imitate a female’s voice and also plays the part of Sita in Ramleela.

The “Article 15” actor believes stereotypes around a man playing female parts or vice-versa should be changed.

“Times have changed for the better. We have become more gender fluid. There are certain generalisations we make with both the sexes, male and female, but I think that should be stopped.

“There is nothing right or wrong , nothing male or female, feminine or masculine,  you can do whatever you want to and that’s the real world you want to exist in.

So being a part of the progressive cinema, it’s my aspiration to do roles which are defining the changing times,” he added. Ayushmann is associated with globally renowned watch and accessories brand Daniel Wellington.

Recently, Ayushmann also shared National Award for the Best actor along with Vicky Kaushal. The 34-year-old actor was shooting for an ad film when he got to know about his National Award win. He said he didn't get the time to express his feelings initially and is still trying to process it. 

Sriram Raghvan's  Andhadhun and Amit Sharma-directed Badhaai Ho, featuring Ayushmann in the lead, were two of the biggest hits of 2018 making the actor one of the most bankable and consistent performers from the current lot of Bollywood.

Badhaai Ho won the best popular film providing wholesome entertainment award alongside Ayushmann's best actor honour for Andhadhun.

Talking about time, Ayushmann said he has learnt that success is a lousy teacher and failure is your friend, philosopher and guide. “People in the world can also be fickle with your successes and failure, so you have to have a calm head on your shoulders. Time is a great leveller. You cannot be pompous and say you have attained perfection. Time is ever- changing, you are ever-changing. You have to be with time,” he added.

(With inputs from PTI)