Ayushmann Khurrana “There are such stories in our country, which we have very rarely served”

Ayushmann Khurrana has outstanding performance for movie Andhadhun and Badhai Ho this year. Talking about his experiences of working with Nina gupta, Andhadhun director Sriram Raghavan, Tabu, wife tahira and more.

Congratulations for the success of Badhai ho, movie getting a lot of discussion on social media. How you join the film?
Its story is really unique. That is why the common people like it. This is the second script of my life, which I had just told when I heard it. Usually I take the time to read scripts. In a week or two, I sign the film with the opinions of those around me and those around me. The first time I heard the script of ‘Dam, I had said yes. The film has done so much and audience are like very much. I am happy to be part of this fun story.

The subject is very bold. How was the experience of joining?
This kind of film has led my legacy in a way. With the kind of movies, I have ever done, this film is one step ahead. This film can be a ‘Vicky Donor’ prequel. In this, the young man’s father is becoming a father again. Actually, there are such stories in our country, which we have very rarely served. I have only one friend, whose father’s age is like the age of grandfather. If this film was 40 years ago, it would be normal. Women used to become mothers even in 50 years. In today’s setup this is a little fun.

Tell us your work experience with Sriram Raghavan?
I have established myself as a slice-of-life actor for the past six years and I wanted to break that mould and do a thriller. I wanted to work with Sriram Raghavan, the master of noir. It’s the first time in years that I texted a director. Nobody expects me to do a thriller. I was like ‘’If you don’t believe me, take a screen test.’ I probably did that after six years. Next day they had a two camera set-up in his office and we did a couple of scenes. It happens in the West most of the time. The biggest of stars, they audition. That’s how it should happen. I need to and love to push myself. Lots of people expect Andhadhun to be a dark film given it’s from Sriram Raghavan. But this film is fun, Entertaining, thrilling and while it has moments of darkness, overall it’s not a dark film.

Was it difficult playing role of visually challenged character?
Your perspective about life changes. Your sense of hearing enhances by default. You close your eyes and listen to other sounds. You normally consume music visually, but you are more purist as a musician. I didn’t watch any film based on blind people. I wanted to observe people. I went to the Happy Home & School for the Blind in Worli. It was an enriching experience. I met a blind pianist called Rahul. He is great, and was my reference point. We called him to Sriram Sir’s office. We wanted to see him approach a milieu which he is not familiar with. We saw how he is walking – it’d be three taps for unknown area, keeping one hand to the wall; how he climbs the staircase – how to measure the steepness of the stair with stick. Then he entered the room, approached the piano, felt the chair and sat and marked his centre and started playing.

Hows your experience to working with Tabu?
She is a common crush between me and my dad. She is such a versatile actor. She is very famous in Bollywood and still does contemporary subtle films. She has successfully changed the gear.

What is the need of doing different genres?
The first tick box while hearing or reading a script is that it should be different. Most of the actors are very obsessed and think I want to be different. But nobody’s looking at you; they are looking at the story. It should be novel. I also believe you need to establish yourself in a particular genre before venturing out. If you are changing yourself with every film, you will be exhausted as an actor. Slice-of-life films are my staple now. Badhai Ho is in that zone.

Working with your wife Tahira, Who will be making her directorial debut?
She has not written anything for me, which is really unfortunate. The casting is going on. The film will go on floors next year in February I think. We are bouncing boards of each other. She reads my scripts, I read hers. Input is given and it’s taken well.

What type of roll you are looking for as an actor?
I was looking for a roll of ‘Andhadhun’. In this I am playing a blind musician. He is also the blind who has seen the murderer. This is the writer’s work, so it is the writer’s work. I never dreamed that I would be a sperm donor. My dream roll writer will be writing in some or no corner. I want to get a film on the 377 Act because this is the right time. Now the censor board will not be able to do anything. You will also get the certificate.

You said in an interview that you have faced a casting couch?
Yes, this is part of your life. It is up to you that you are so absorbed in getting it. You should not be so desperate that you sell yourself. If you are really passionate then you will
work on your art because you will not be able to achieve anything by doing this. If achieved also, then they will not be able to sustain.