Ayushmann Khurrana says he’s eager to pen a film script for Bollywood.
Exactly how he plans to do this in between juggling an acting career, being a composer, headlining concerts and writing a guest column for a newspaper in India, is anybody’s guess.
Pose the question to the man himself and the response is a roaring laugh, an emotion that is a far cry from the angst-ridden common man that Khurrana has perfected in films such as Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Bareilly Ki Barfi and Meri Pyaari Bindu. And this is just in 2017 alone.
Tell him that he’s in danger of becoming a poster-child for millennials and the laughter is soon replaced with bemusement. “Really? Is that how I am perceived?”
Well, the hipster persona doesn’t exactly add to his defence.
“Does it help that I grew up idolising Madhuri Dixit after seeing her in Tezaab, dancing to Ek Do Teen?” pat comes his response.
Perhaps redemption is still a distant cry, but name-dropping a legendary dancing diva from the ‘90s is definitely a good place to start.
So is it true, we ask.
“That Madhuri Dixit inspired me to be an actor? Oh, absolutely,” Khurrana replies. “I was a huge Govinda and Madhuri fan. I grew up on a diet of films such as Ram Lakhan [1989 Dixit-Anil Kapoor starrer],” he reveals.
It begs to be asked how Khurrana can rattle off names of some of the biggest entertainers of yesteryears, identified by their Bollywood kitsch offerings, yet carve a career for himself in the same industry as the everyday man with his everyday issues.
Quiz the 33-year-old actor and he says: “I think a lot of my film choices have to do with theatre background. Back before I even become a TV and radio personality [he starred in reality shows Channel V: PopStars in 2002 and MTV Roadies 1 and 2; winning the latter and going on to become a TV and radio presenter]”.
“Theatre was what I was known for, and we toured small cities in India, bringing stories that had a direct connect with the common man. I think that element didn’t really change even as I made the transition into films with Vicky Donor; it just became a part of who I am,” he says.
He continues: “But that doesn’t mean I am averse to big entertainers, flying in the air throwing punches or running around trees. I think for every Shubh Mangal Saavdhan you need a Judwaa or a Golmaal.”
Yet, for his next film, Khurrana has hit upon yet another script that does away with the Bollywood frills; Shoot the Piano Player is a thriller directed by Sriram Raghavan where the actor reportedly plays a blind pianist.
Khurrana, who shied away from giving more details, simply said the film would be a “shocking one” and “we need to wait and watch”.
Although, while we wait for the film’s impending release next year, Khurrana is also in the midst of recording a new album.
“I am in the midst of writing new music as well,” he says. “I think everyone needs a creative out. Playing music is mine. Composing new music with no baggage that comes with films naturally comes to mind.”
Love ballads again in Punjabi?
“That’s my identity. I think in Punjabi so it just comes naturally. Although, my last three songs were in Hindi,” he quips.
So what’s this we hear murmurings about taking up writing as a new creative out?
“Well, I write a guest column with a newspaper in India and somehow that got to bouncing around some ideas for a film script; I have my work cut out,” he laughs.
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Performing in the Middle East
Ahead of his Middle East tour, which will take the artist to Muscat on October 26, along with headlining a Dubai gig the following day with Pakistani artist Ali Zafar, Khurrana reveals what he has in store for fans in the region.
He says: “I’m really excited to perform in Dubai the second time around, especially with Ali Zafar. I’ve followed him closely and am a huge fan of Coke Studio Pakistan. I’ve known Ali from before; we hosted an awards show together several years ago. Now, we will jam together hopefully.”
Quiz the actor about his music set and he says: “I’ve got an individual set planned, which could be a mix of anything really — some classics and some of my recent hits from Bareilly Ki Barfi, Meri Pyaar Bindu and the like.
“Plus, as I am also in the process of writing new music and cutting a new single, maybe a preview of that. I think I will allow the night to unfold and let the music take its course.”
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Don’t miss it!
MTV India Unplugged presents Ayushmann Khurrana and Ali Zafar live at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, with tickets starting at Dh49. Show starts at 8pm on October 27.
