CRACKING THE CODE
Though just two films old, Ayushmann Khurrana is well on his way to becoming a teen heartthrob with his edgy persona, cool demeanour and flamboyant style statement.
The 30 year old father of two first rose to fame as the winner of the MTV reality show, Roadies 2, however it was as a radio jockey with Big FM Delhi, where he hosted Big Chai-Maan Na Maan and Main Tera Ayushmann that he made his mark and then soon after winning a Young Achievers Award for the show, he seized the opportunity to debut on MTV as an anchor and in no time at all became a popular face on the silver screen. But the best was yet to come with his big Bollywood debut, Vicky Donor, which propelled him to fame as both a singer and an actor. Not one to rest on his past laurels or willing to be typecast as a stereotype, Ayushmann continues to experiment and thus made the decision to assist Shoojit Sirkar in Madras Café. Even though he dares to be different, when it comes to his personal life, he says he will always follow his heart – he married his childhood sweetheart Tahira Kashyap while still in his early twenties. Now out with a book titled Cracking the Code – My Journey to Bollywood (Rupa Publications), authored jointly with his wife, it tells the story of his struggle to stardom and reveals his success mantras.
Do you see yourself as an actor or a singer?
I am passionate about music, but acting is closer to my heart. Though both disciplines are intrinsic to me, I feel I am more versatile when I am acting because I feel I can do much more as an actor. I have a natural flair for comedy but I would like to do dark edgy roles. I guess I would describe myself as an actor-singer rather than a singer-actor.
Despite your success you have not signed on for too many movies. What’s the reason behind that?
I guess I am a patient guy. After my MTV stint, I got many roles where I was cast as the hero’s best friend in big banner films but I chose to wait till Vicky Donor was offered. I think it is better to wait for a meaty role than just accept any role. If I have time on my hands I use it to learn new things like assisting ShoojitSirkar on Madras Café. Though right now I am too young and new to direct, learning direction will always be of help to me as an actor and maybe later I can direct a film.
How deeply are you affected by success and failure?
Not too much. I try to stay detached and I have been rejected so many times that I am used to failure now – I just think of it as a passing phase. When success comes after a lot of hard work it’s always sweeter.
Who are the people you draw your strength from?
My dad for sure. Left to myself, I am a laid back person, but my dad always pushed me to work hard to achieve my goals. I am more of an explorer and not so much an achiever so it’s good he is always pushing me.
Early marriage and fatherhood – was it an advantage or disadvantage for an aspiring young hero?
Since I played a sperm donor and was a father to 50 kids in my first film, I guess it worked to my advantage. But having my wife Tahira is a great stabilising factor. She is hot and intelligent and that’s a great combination in a woman and I am lucky to have her. Since everyone in my family is on the shorter side I wanted a tall girl to be my wife. I like tall women. Tahira is about 5 feet 8 inches to my 5 feet 9 inches . Besides her height, I love the honesty in her eyes.
How do you and Tahira handle the pressures of life?
By being honest with each other and being there for each other.
Rapid Fire
Favourite actress: Sridevi, Mumtaz, Madhuri and now Alia Bhatt.
Favourite look: I wear my mood. I keep things basic but add one detail like a brightly coloured pocket square or a quirky bow tie.
Favourite film: The Notebook, Intersteller, Rang De Basanti, DDLJ.
Favourite Moment: Winning my first Filmfare award for both best debut singer and best debut actor. I won the award on Tahira’s birthday which made it even better!
Favourite TV show: Dexter and Pankaj Kapur’s Fatichar
Favourite designer: Manish Malhotra
Favourite beauty product: My beard trimmer.
Favourite Accessory: Watches. I love wearing funky bright coloured toy watches.
Recommended for you
