There are very few actors in the country who have tasted both critical and commercial acclaim. With Ayushmann Khurrana, it has become a norm. The actor-singer who made his debut with the 2012 film Vicky Donor has charmed audiences with his portrayal of ordinary men in small-town India, battling stigmatised issues that are often brushed under the carpet. Whether it was his role as Mudit Sharma, a Gurugram-based man dealing with erectile dysfunction or as Nakul Kaushik in Badhaai Ho who struggles to come to terms with his senior parents being pregnant, the actor has been conscious about handpicking characters that are entertaining yet impactful.
“I believe cinema has the power to drive change and provoke thought. As an entertainer, my goal is to reach and engage as many people as possible. I choose films so families can come together to enjoy them. There is no greater joy for an artist than seeing audiences enjoy your work and leave with a meaningful message to discuss and ponder,” Ayushmann tells ELLE India. It’s not just commercial success that drives him. Instead, the Andhadhun actor wants to break stereotypes, push boundaries, and showcase the progressive side of India on the world stage.
“Our stories are rich and varied, and the world needs to see the multifaceted reality of our society. Often, there’s unawareness that we are either being stereotyped, stereotyping others, or even stereotyping ourselves,” shares Ayushmann. “I hope to find compelling scripts that help me convey this message more effectively,” he adds.
Besides films, Ayushmann’s singing capabilities have left audiences wanting more ever since he crooned Pani Da Rang in his debut film. How has he kept his passion for music alive while juggling film projects? “I admit it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. I think music complements my acting career beautifully. It’s all about balancing time and staying dedicated to both crafts. It’s a creative outlet that keeps me grounded,” he reiterates.
Ayushmann is currently basking in the success of his latest single Akh Da Taara which has been topping the charts since its release in April. The actor believes it’s unlike any of his previous songs, since he has blended heartbreak with pop music in a way that feels deeply personal and universally relatable. “It’s filled with intense beats and soul-stirring verses, marking our leap onto the global stage. Akh Da Taara is very close to my heart. Recording it was an amazing experience, filled with creative experimentation. Its success is the ultimate validation for me, because I transformed my music through this song.” That’s not all. Ayushmann has also signed a global recording deal with Warner Music India that will help his voice reach a larger audience, opening up more opportunities to collaborate with international artists.
“I have always wanted to work with like-minded people in my pursuit of creative excellence. It’s an exciting time, and I look forward to creating music that transcends borders and connects with people worldwide. I will always celebrate India through my music,” he says. If there’s one thing we know, Ayushmann’s creative pursuits are an extension of his personality. That also extends to his beliefs around social causes, which he advocates both in reel life and off-screen.
In 2023, UNICEF appointed him as the National Ambassador to support the rights of every child to survive, thrive, and be protected as well as promote their voice and agency in decisions that concern them. “It has been a humbling and enriching experience. I take this responsibility very seriously. Children are our future and it’s crucial to ensure they have a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment. Through this role, I aim to raise awareness and drive initiatives that support children’s well-being and education,” he adds.
Ayushmann’s consistent choice of work has earned him recognition from all quarters, even from the likes of TIME magazine which has honoured him twice–with the TIME100 Impact award in 2023 and earlier in 2020. “Being honoured by TIME Magazine twice is an incredible affirmation of my work both on and off camera. It validates the choices I’ve made in my career and the causes I stand for, reinforcing my core beliefs as an artist and a human being striving to create positive social change. This recognition motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and using my platform to influence positive change,” shares Ayushmann.
With so much happening in his acting and music career, what’s something audiences must look forward to? “There are several exciting projects lined up. On the film front, I’m exploring diverse roles that tell compelling stories. Musically, I have a few singles. Each endeavour is a step towards broadening my horizons and delivering content that resonates with audiences globally.” If there’s one thing Ayushmann is sure of, it is that he will continue using his platform to advocate for social causes that matter to him, be it gender equality or child rights. “By integrating these themes into my work and supporting relevant initiatives, I hope to drive important conversations and inspire change. It’s about making a lasting impact both on and off screen,” he signs off.
Photographer: Kunal Gupta; Videographer: Apoorva Songara; Creative Production: Office Hours by Aangi Nahta, Fashion Stylist: Nishtha Parwan; Makeup: Hinal Dattani; Hair: Mohd Javed; Words: Geetika Sachdev; Assisted by: Stuti Patade; Mannat Varshney; Production: Imran Khatri Productions; Artist’s Management: Yash Raj Films Talent.
