Don't have to be a star kid to survive in industry: Ayushmann

Star kids are launched in a grand way in Bollywood but actor Ayushmann Khurrana feels that they are no longer given preferential treatment and one does not need to fall into that bracket to survive in the industry.

“I think it is the best phase of Indian cinema you don’t have to be a star kid to survive or get launched in the industry. This is not just for actors but for everyone like directors, writers, lyricists and others,” Ayushmann told PTI.

“I am glad I am here today. If I was born 15 years back, then I don’t think I would get chance that a star kid would have got,” he said.

After being in the industry for four years, the 31-year-old actor thinks the best part of his profession is that he gets special treatment.

“The best part is you are treated well, you get special attention in restaurants and airports.”

Ayushmann will be seen next in Anand L Rai’s home production film “Manmarziyan” romancing Bhumi Pednekar. And then he is paired opposite Parineeti Chopra in “Meri Pyaari Bindu” to be produced by Yash Raj Films.

The “Vicky Donor” actor said he goes with his instincts while choosing a film.

Ayushmann’s film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” was named as the winner of the Best Hindi Film at the 63rd National Film Awards on Monday.

He said his producer Aditya Chopra initially felt he would not be ready to do an unconventional film like “Dum Laga Ke Haisha”.

“With ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ I have got more respect as an actor. When Aditya Chopra offered me the film he never expected I will do it...it happened after ‘Vicky Donor’. He thought I will go the mainstream way doing conventional hero roles,” he said.

“I believe the story should always have connect with the audience and ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ had it,” he added.

The romantic-drama, released in 2015, to critical acclaim. It was Ayushmann’s father who broke the news of his film “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” winning the National award.

“Our director Sharad Katariya was sleeping, he was not even aware national awards were announced. We did not have any expectations (of winning the award) as last year there were lot of good films. I am glad that the film connected with the jury,” he added.

This is the second film of VJ-actor-singer Ayushmann to have won the National award. “In the span of four years I have done two National award winning films. ‘Vicky Donor’ won the best film National award in 2013 and this one in 2016,” he added.

According to the “Paani Da” singer, the National awards are genuine.

“National award is special as it doesn’t have the baggage of certain channel and sponsors. It is credible and clean I guess,” he said.