'I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN RISKS'

Ayushmann Khurrana says his films have no reference point in Indian cinema

This year has been a landmark one for actor Ayushmann Khurrana. Box-office successes of his films have put him in the top league, but he admits it hasn’t been an easy journey and there’s a long road ahead. “I am glad my choices are working,” says the actor. Excerpts from an interview:

Were there people who didn’t believe in your choices, have things changed?

Nobody tells you that they don’t believe in you. I had tremendous self-belief and faith in my sensibilities. I always aspired to do something different. The cinema I endorse is a cross between critical acclaim and commercial acclaim. It was in abundance for both Andhadun and Badhaai Ho. Of course, there is a complete change, though it has been gradual. I am taking baby steps towards stardom. My journey has been fruitful. It was not a meteoric rise, and I am glad it is like that because this keeps you sane.

You are now one of the most bankable contemporary actors.

It is great feeling when people tell me that. The scripts I am choosing are unique yet normal. They have no reference point in Indian cinema. I am glad people have loved it. I am too overwhelmed with the adulation.

Does box-office success give you more confidence to experiment?

I’ve always been a very b***y actor and taken risks. But yes, this has given me more confidence that these risks have worked. There is no safe project. You have to believe in the script you are working on. There are a lot of young and new talented directors. I’ve mostly worked with new directors, who were trying to mark a mark and raring to go. That gives me more confidence in fresh talent.

Is there pressure to sustain this kind of success?

Pressure is good as people are expecting something out of you. Once [filmmaker] Aditya Chopra told me, ‘You should just give one promise to the audience that every time you will give them something unique and entertaining’. I’ve always tried to keep that promise.

Has this change also influenced your music concerts? Would you give equal time to them?

That will always happen. The success of my films will have a ripple effect on my concerts. Besides, I get that audience because of my films. I am an actor, that’s why there is more interest and intrigue to see me perform on stage. This year I had four songs and did well. So yes, the demand (in concerts) has increased. I’d love to perform when I am not shooting, because that again is my passion and a parallel vector.

PHOTO: ANAGRAM STUDIO