Ayushmann Khurrana reflects on navigating Bollywood, being embraced as an outsider, and the layered realities of fame

We know him as Vicky Arora, the archetypal Delhi-born-and-bred Punjabi boy, as Nakul Kaushik, navigating peak middle-class panic with an awkward family announcement, and now as Alok, an everyman thrown headfirst into the unknown. Talk of Ayushmann Khurrana’s remarkable range, evident across his filmography, and you’ll know exactly why he’s one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors today. 

“I believe an artist should add some value to their art,” he promptly says over a Zoom call, reflecting on his comprehensive theatre training which likely guides his choice of roles. Not many know that Khurrana was a founding member of DAV College, Chandigarh’s theatre groups, Aaghaaz and Manchtantra. “The thing is, in theatre, we always talk about social issues…we make plays around them. And I think this [his on-screen persona] is an extension of my theatre personality,” adds the 41-year-old Chandigarh-born actor, whose recent release, Thamma, struck gold at the box office. 

Cinema With a Conscience

From premature balding in Bala (2019), gender identity in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (2021), casteism in Article 15 (2019), to erectile dysfunction in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), Khurrana’s projects often sound a strong social message—earning him both commercial success and critical acclaim. Yet, you may wonder whether the fear of being typecast looms as he tackles one taboo at a time.

“It’s my staple as a genre. Every once in a while, I venture out into uncharted territories with films like Andhadhun (2018), An Action Hero (2022), and even Thamma (2025). Probably 30 per cent of my films don’t carry a message,” he explains, adding: “While I must take that detour, my staple genre has to be creating art with certain value.” 

The actor’s end-of-year release, Thamma, a thrilling supernatural drama—marking a departure from his usual roles—earned over ₹200 crores worldwide, a feat that came on the heels of Dream Girl 2 (2023), which also surpassed the 100-crore mark. “It’s my biggest film ever, in terms of scale and the release. Thamma was a no-brainer. It’s a broad-stroke commercial film, and the reason I do such films is because it gives me the courage to choose films I really want to do.” 

Risk, Range, Reward

Riding the wave of Thamma’s success, the actor is prepping for his next, Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, Sooraj Barjatya-helmed Yeh Prem Mol Liya, and Yash Raj Films and Posham Pa Pictures' yet-to-be-titled project. “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is a clean comedy commercial film. And, nobody taps the tier-two, tier-three middle-class family like Sooraj Barjatya does. I’m a huge fan of his work. And with all this machismo around—which I personally enjoy watching—these films will stand out,” he explains. 

Speaking of bagging that “rare script” with the YRF-Posham Pa collaboration, Khurrana adds, “It’s a genre-breaker. It's the kind of film I've always wanted to do.” This creative partnership between the Indian entertainment behemoths will see the two jointly produce theatrical cinema. And while you’d think such high-profile ventures selling the promise of mass box office appeal would rattle the actor, it isn’t the case. 

“I’m the quintessential risk-taker,” claims Khurrana. “I'm a very producer-friendly actor; whenever I take on a project, it's always a plus—all vectors combined. So I guess you could call that playing it safe with the kind of risks I choose in terms of subject matter. But being a risk-taker also means taking care of the commercial aspect and aligning with the producer’s ideology,” he adds. 

Beyond the ‘Soft Boy’ 

While the actor carries a mixed bag of titles in his repertoire, he admits his characterisations may have lured the audience into a “sweet boy” trope. “I've not really tried a front-footed grey character…I’ve been the ‘sweet boy’,” notes Khurrana. An affable, gentle, masculine energy that seamlessly extends to his off-screen persona via his wardrobe.

“I think the ‘soft boy aesthetic’ is just me wearing my feminine energy. Every guy should embrace and express it in a positive way,” he says, adding, “I used to be a lot more experimental with fashion, but now my personal style is low-key and minimalist. Classic just suits me better. I want to be comfortable, and I don't mind repeating clothes. I'm lucky that in my line of work, I can enjoy wearing different styles without owning these garments.” 

It’s also worth noting that Khurrana’s distinctive sartorial choices exemplify his personal evolution. “Fashion is ever-evolving, and style is cyclical. It's disruptive and subversive at the same time. You must keep evolving your sensibilities while making sure your personal style is never overshadowed—that’s what I strive for. For me, it's extremely important that I express my individualism with comfort.” 

Off Camera With AK

It’d be fair to call Ayushmann Khurrana an “outsider” in the industry. Having not hailed from a film family, he gained early fame as a radio and television presenter while honing his acting skills through college and street plays. “Back then, I was a journalist. I would be the one asking celebrities’ questions, so I was in the mix of things. I've seen the industry from both the outside and now the inside,” he reveals. 

When we probe about the preconceptions he may have held about the industry, he confesses, “I was quite prepared when I did my first film [Vicky Donor, 2012]. There were, of course, certain preconceived notions, but that was before becoming a journalist or a radio and TV presenter. I'm glad I took these baby steps towards success and saw the industry from both sides.”    

As far as adjusting to the heightened accessibility and attention fame brings, Khurrana shares, “I’m a private person. I keep my life simple. If you're constantly acting off-screen like you are on-screen, it becomes very tiresome. I want to be myself, and let my family be the way they are. I respectfully acknowledge the paps and go about my chores. It's part of the game…it's part of my life now.”

Aayushmann The Artist

A true multihyphenate, Khurrana’s rise to stardom was partly fueled by his rendition of Pani Da Rang in his debut. Since then, he has lent his voice to several songs in his films. “I would love to do a reprise version of a love song in every film. That's my zone. I love singing soft ballads,” he admits, adding: “It's been a while though…but I would like to explore this with my forthcoming releases.” 

A poet by his own admission, he also pens poetry and composes songs that he prefers to keep private. “I don't put it out there, on Instagram or social media. I’ll do it when I have to…when the time is right,” he shares. 

Turns out, Khurrana’s introspective side isn’t limited to his poetry—it shapes the way he views romantic relationships. In a swipe-first era where love has become a lot more fickle, he notes, “I think it's very rare. It’s friendship and companionship that lasts forever. If you guys are friends, enjoy each other's company, and have common interests, it’s the best. As Shah Rukh Khan once said, “Pyaar dosti hain” [love is friendship], I firmly believe in that—and I'm great friends with my spouse.”
                    
As we near the end of our chat, Khurrana feels compelled to reiterate: “It's very difficult to maintain vulnerability if you've given X amount of years in the industry. But that's what I strive for…purity. And even when it comes to my craft, there should be a sense of purpose—an inquisitiveness and curiosity about the subject at hand. I don’t want to do a project just for the sake of reinvention or material success. Being an artist gives you the license to work with purity and good intentions.” 

QUICK FIRE

A book you’d recommend to everyone. 
The Art of War by Sun Tzu. It’s not just about war, it’s about life.

A hidden talent you're proud of.
It's not really hidden anymore, but I keep a diary of poems I write. 

A song on loop.
I recently discovered Shanka Tribe, a popular Kerala-based tribal fusion music band.

A fashion trend that needs to retire.
Tight or ankle-length jeans with no socks—they need to go.

Your love language.
Music is the best love language. Food, too!
 

Ayushmann is wearing a classic trucker men’s jacket (dark blue); RE x Levi’s 511 classic men’s jeans (washed indigo); Huntsman leather boots (black); RF1 FF Meteor Ring ID ABS gloss helmet, all by Royal Enfield (royalenfieldlifestyle); braided bracelets, both by Hermès (@hermes); and the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in Sundowner Orange  (@royalenfield) (@royalenfieldcruising)
 

Editor: Snigdha Ahuja (@snigdha.ahuja)

Interview: Diya J Verma (@diyajverma)

Photographer: Nishanth Radhakrishnan (@nishanth.radhakrishnan)

Stylist: Nishtha Parwani (@nishthaparwani)

Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Makeup Artist: Heema Dattani (@heemaadattaani)

Hair Artist: Mohd Javed (@mohdjaved7639)

Assistant Stylists: Imran Shaikh (@imranshaikh_official), Vanshika Aggarwal (@_vanshikaa4), Kajol Poddar (@kajolpoddar)

Production (Set Art): Nafromax Productions (@nafromaxproductions)