Conventional wisdom says when you have a string of flops in the kitty; it is not advisable to come up with a book titled “Cracking The Code” (Rupa) that he has co-authored with his wife Tahira Kashyap. But then you don’t associate conventional with Ayushmann Khurrana. The Chandigarh boy who made a smooth transition from television to films through Vicky Donor has yet to anchor himself to the film industry but the good thing is that he is yet to be held responsible for a Bewakoofiyaan or a Hawaizaada . The reviews are always like a committed actor could not salvage a bad film. Still, the code remains a mystery.
“The book is about the struggles. It is not about my journey in Bollywood but my journey to Bollywood. In 2012, not many people were making a transition from television to films. After me, Sushant (Singh Rajput) joined the bandwagon. I think I cracked the code and it will inspire people like me who don’t come from film fraternity,” defends Ayushmann as we warm up for a chat over green tea at Pickwicks, the bustling coffee shop of The Claridges.
One reminds him of Shah Rukh Khan, who also made a similar transition many moons ago. “The milieu has changed a lot. In the ’70s and ’80s the wannabe actors used to stand outside studios as if they are trying to get inside a fortress. We live in an era that is very democratic. Today, the strugglers are allowed to give auditions, prove their talent and have their fair share of limelight.” It seems the element of luck has come down a few notches. “It is there for sure but at the same time there are more opportunities. The industry is operating beyond nepotism now,” reasons Ayushmann.
He already has a baggage of arrogance and when he says in the book that he did Nautanki Sala without reading the script because it was a Ramesh Sippy production, was not happy with the end result of Bewakoofiyaan and how he refused to sign a contract with Balaji Telefilms, it seems Ayushmann is ready to burn bridges in an industry where yes men are preferred. “I am not arrogant. It was just one odd article that led to some rumours in the media. I am introvert for sure and it is often misconstrued. I watched the French film on which Nautanki Sala was based and something got lost in translation. Aditya Chopra has been a mentor and he has been able to break the ice for me. After Bewakoofiyaan I told him Kya sir, kya thha ye and he does listen to criticism. In a way it has become more fun for a person who has come from outside,” says Ayushmann opting for fruit panna cotta.
The actor maintains that he is not scared of making mistakes and taking risks. “I am somehow numb to success and failure. I have faced a lot of rejections in the past. I am very happy in the actor-singer space. Last year as far as my music was concerned it was on a high because “Mitti ki khushboo” was on top in ITunes. As we speak it has almost a crore views on YouTube. It is not just about the movies, I am talking about the wholesome experience of a performer. Having said that Hawaizaada didn’t work for sure. The script was stretched beyond a point and there were a lot many songs which affected the flow. But I own that film because I gave my heart and soul to it. However, the public memory is fickle. Four days after the release of Hawaizaada , the promo of Dum Laga Ke Haisha were out. Suddenly people started thinking about the next release.”
Set in Haridwar-Rishikesh belt, Ayushmann says it is about a simpleton from Haridwar who gets married to a very fat and intelligent girl in a group marriage. “It is about this odd couple and it is a very unusual YRF film for it is not glossy and there are no chiffon saris. Set in a very realistic space, it says love comes in all sizes. Audience in the B and C centres will find it very relatable and at the same time it is very unusual and quirky for urban centres,” says Ayushmann sipping green tea.
The actor looks a little too lean off screen. “My metabolism is very good. I have a tendency to lose weight. But I live to eat. It is like eating, sleeping and acting in that order.” So he must be a good cook? “Khane se fursat hi nahin milti!” he exclaims. “He has never prepared even a cup of tea,” Tahira chips in. “I can make instant noodles and instant sugary syrup water,” says Ayushmann referring to Rooh Afzah.
Most of his songs emerged over food at DAV college canteen in Chandigarh. “We used to call them coffee shop jamming sessions. ‘Pani Da Rang’ was also composed there. Next to the canteen was government mess where Haryanvi Jats used to come with their containers of ghee. So we used to have a generous helping of ghee over dal chawal and compose.”
Ayushmann now eats according to the character he is playing. “While doing Bewakoofiyaan I was supposed to have abs. So I could not have carbohydrates after 4 pm. “He was such a grumpy man those days,” relates Tahira. “I lose patience when I am not eating. Even when I was shooting for Dum Laga Ke I was expected to lose weight to show the stark contrast between the guy and the girl. I can’t live without sweets. Thank god I am naturally thin otherwise I would have been an RJ forever.”
Talking of Tahira’s cooking skills, Ayushmann says she is a good cook but a lazy one. “She makes very good besan.” What? “In Punjab besan ke laddoo are simply called besan. She is also adept at besan ki barfi. Does she look like that she can make besan?” he guffaws and as Tahira gives him a look balances it with a defensive shot. “Do I look like that I can be an actor?”
Tahira attests he is very secure as a person. “After a movie is released he is back home in Chandigarh.” Immediately after Hawaizaada , she was in Los Angeles for a screenwriting course and he was baby sitting. “Being yourself is already difficult because you are playing a part on screen but if you start playing a part in real life as well then it will take a heavy toll on your life. That’s why there are so many mental breakdowns with actors. It is important to be yourself.” It’s time for the autograph books to come out and my photojournalist colleague is leading the queue of his female fan following.
