In 2023, Ayushmann Khurrana, a leading figure in Bollywood, achieved yet another triumph with the success of the comedic sequel “Dream Girl 2.” Despite his continuous string of hits, Khurrana remains elated, citing this as a form of “validation.”
The movie joined the ranks of several moderately budgeted Hindi-language films that emerged as box office triumphs, challenging the prevailing belief that only grandiose spectacles like “Pathaan” or “Jawan” could thrive in the post-pandemic Bollywood landscape, which had a lackluster performance in 2022.
Addressing the previously circulated conspiracy theory about Indian audiences favoring only extravagant films, Khurrana stated, “Dream Girl 2” and other mid-budget films like “OMG 2” and “Gadar 2” defied these notions. He emphasized, “That norm has been broken, that conspiracy theory has been proven wrong.”
Khurrana, who made his debut with “Vicky Donor” in 2012, has consistently chosen diverse roles, each contributing to his string of box office successes. From portraying a sperm donor to tackling subjects like erectile dysfunction in “Shubh Mangal Savdhan” (2017) and alopecia in “Bala” (2019), to embodying an openly gay character in “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan” (2020) and a gym instructor confronting gender identity in “Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui” (2021), Khurrana has challenged traditional Bollywood stereotypes.
Beyond defying macho stereotypes, Khurrana’s choices extend to roles exploring societal issues. In “Article 15” (2019), he played a city cop confronting the harsh realities of the caste system in rural India, and in “Dream Girl” (2019), he portrayed a man with a convincing female voice, leading many to fall in love with him.
Expressing his approach to roles, Khurrana stated, “I would like to do something which has never been told before but at the same time in the realm of relatability, keeping the larger audience in mind. I’m not really genre-specific in terms of my choices. They just need to resonate with me.” He also expressed interest in returning to the action genre, following his critical acclaim in “An Action Hero,” and exploring horror-comedy.
Khurrana’s success extended to the Chinese market with “Andhadhun” (2018), a thriller that earned nearly $50 million. In a unique turn, the film was remade in various southern Indian languages, reflecting Khurrana’s appeal beyond the Hindi-speaking audience.
Reflecting on this success, Khurrana expressed his appreciation for regional cinema, stating, “Every region has a different tonality and a grammar of cinema and a different audience.” He recounted an experience in Doha where Malayalam cinema enthusiasts appreciated his work, noting that such validation from diverse audiences is meaningful to him.
Expressing his willingness to collaborate with talents from the southern Indian industries, Khurrana praised actors like Fahadh Faasil and director Sandeep Vanga Reddy, highlighting his readiness to explore different genres and work with various directors.
Beyond acting, Khurrana is also a musician, with his track “Nindiya” in the Netflix series “The Railway Men” receiving acclaim. Starting in 2024, he plans to prioritize music alongside his acting career, emphasizing its soul-stirring impact on his life.
Currently engaged in undisclosed film projects, Khurrana also serves as the goodwill ambassador for UNICEF India, actively working against cyberbullying and advocating for employment opportunities for young adults. He envisions creating commercial films tailored for children, aiming to empower them through the medium of cinema.
