Ayushmann Khurrana back with Nautanki Saala

When Bollywood hunk John Abraham is in a room, all eyes are on him. Something similar happened in Dubai last April when first-time producer Abraham chaperoned Ayushmann Khurrana to promote their comedy Vicky Donor. Everybody wanted a bit of producer Abraham, while the fresh-faced Khurrana -- who was the star of the film -- stared at all the action.

A lot has changed in a year. The sperm-donation comedy scooped all the awards including three National Awards, took India by storm and became 2012’s biggest sleeper hit. Now, Khurrana is no longer living in a star’s shadow. He has become a star.

“When we went to a mall in Hyderabad, I had scratches on my arms,” said Khurrana in an interview with tabloid! over the phone from Mumbai. Ask any star, there’s no better evidence of a stars’ soaring popularity than being mauled by a legion of shrieking female fans.

“It was quite surreal, I wasn’t expecting it. During Vicky Donor, the co-producer felt we needed John to get the footfall into the mall. This time around when we went to different cities and different venues to promote Natuanki Saala, there was no John, but I was mobbed in a similar fashion. That’s when I realised my tide has changed.” Though the 28-year-old star credits Abraham for being a wonderful anchor in his career, this Thursday he’s all alone. His second film, Nataunki Saala, directed by Rohan Sippy, rolls out in the theatres.

He warns his fans not to expect another Vicky Donor.

“What happened with Vicky Donor happens once in a lifetime. It was a rare phenomenon. I expected a certain amount of critical acclaim, but its success was unprecedented. Even in my dreams, I never expected such a reception.”

In his debut, he played an aimless Punjabi boy who enters an infertility specialist’s radar due to his fantastic fertility powers. All’s good until he falls in love and wants to quit the lucrative-but-sticky sperm donation job.

“Nautanki Saala is two hours of good fun. There are no forced gags or planted jokes. There’s an undertone of humour in this quirky romantic comedy. Rest assured, people will return home with a smile on their faces.”

Chandigarh-born Khurrana has served his time in the industry. He entered theatre in 2002, went on to act in a few plays and then switched to being a television anchor for MTV and reality shows such as India’s Got Talent. It took more than a decade for that elusive Bollywood breakthrough.

“Look at the brighter side: since the transition took so long, I will never let success get to my head. But seriously, there was no impatience in my head. All through the years, I thoroughly enjoyed whatever I was doing because I believed in wanting to live in the present. Even while doing the radio and TV stint, I never looked at it as a struggle.”

Perhaps it’s the combination of his optimistic attitude, talent and that endearing appeal that has helped him snap up prestigious deals such as a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films.

“It is on every actor’s bucket list to act in a Yash Raj production. So right now, I am just happy and content as an actor.” In Nataunki Saala, inspired from the 2003 french film Apres Vous, he plays the sweet, eager-to-help Ram.

“I play this selfless guy. He has the characteristics of [Hindu deity] Ram in real live, but ironically he plays Raavan’s character on stage. There’s this dichotomy and inner conflict … the film shows that there’s no perfect Ram or Raavan, there are shades of grey in everyone and that nobody is perfect.” The film also explores the dynamics between two friends who are strangely interdependent on each other. The role of his best friend is played by Kunaal Roy Kapoor.

“It’s not a bromance. It’s a beautiful journey of these two guys as they tackle life.” To spice things up, there’s also a love story thrown in. Ever since this Vicky Donor star crooned Pani Da to his on-screen lady love Yami Gautam, Khurrana has become a hit with the ladies. He was the singer and lyricist of the hit song, which he wrote during his college days.

“I don’t get it. People associate me with love and heartbreak. But the funny bit is I have never experienced heartbreak in my life. I have been dating this girl for 12 years. She was my first and last girlfriend. Now she’s my wife.” His dating record may be pristine, but his Bollywood struggle is checkered.

“I have no regrets. I am quite practical in life and I live in the present. I am like an overgrown infant who’s happy with every situation that life throws me.” Perhaps, that’s the reason why he isn’t worried about Nataunki Saala releasing during the IPL season. Most producers would shirk from releasing their films during IPL because movie-mad Indians are glued to their television sets every evening to watch cricket and may not be lured into cinema halls.

“Remember, even Vicky Donor was released during IPL. I just hope it proves lucky for me again. Cricket and cinema are big entities in our country and I know IPL is an amalgamation of both. But I also believe that cinema lovers will watch film no matter what’s playing on television.” His biggest high?

“The positive here is that people are expecting something out of my second film. Expectations are a good thing.”