Ayushmann Khurrana: I’ve evolved as an actor
The Vicky Donor star says he had to work much harder for his role in Nautanki Saala
Nautanki Saala opened to a mixed response, but actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who made a roaring debut with Vicky Donor, is unperturbed.
“I think I’ve evolved as an actor. My performance was appreciated. People are saying I am not a one-film wonder. That’s the best part of being in this film,” said Khurrana.
“Some people presumed I was just being myself in Vicky Donor, a Punjabi boy trying to find his bearings in life. I had to work much harder on this character in Nautanki Saala. I had to get into a different skin. And the bromance between me and Kunal Roy Kapoor is immensely liked.
“I was lucky to have him as my co-star. Just like Annu Kapoor, who was such a help in Vicky Donor, Kunal gave my character a perspective and a concentrated energy. Beyond that, I never have any expectation from life..
“[Kapoor] is a terrific guy, and an experienced actor. He has been doing theatre for 15 years, so he’s my senior. [He is] a very down-to-earth guy. It was fun working with him. You know, I’ve never experienced any viciousness in the industry, or in my life. That way, I’ve lived a sheltered life. Of course I was rejected many times over in auditions. But I wouldn’t call that rude,” said the 28-year-old.
Today, Khurrana has acquired the reputation of being choosy.
“Every actor has to be careful about the work he does. I want to make sure the characters that I do give me a chance to broaden my horizon as an actor. My first two films were quirky, but I’d also like to do conventional parts. In fact, the Yash Raj Films movie that I am doing with Sonam Kapoor is far more conventional,” he said.
Alone in Mumbai, the actor misses his wife and one-year-old sone Virajer, who live in Chandigarh.
“I do wish my wife Tahira and my son were here with me in Mumbai. But she is doing her PhD in our home town Chandigarh. I don’t get to see my son much. The past year has been the busiest time of my life. I’d love to have them with me permanently. But I’d like my son to grow up in Chandigarh,” he said.
Whatever the audience response may have been, Khurrana was thrilled to get his wife’s approval for his performance in Nautanki Saala.
“She’s my most honest critic. I constantly try to get a compliment out of her when we’re together. I was thrilled when she saw Nautanki Saala and said I’ve improved as an actor,” he said.
