Mr Dependable

With four hits in two years, Ayushmann Khurana has proved himself to be a bankable star. The challenge now is to be more responsible with his choices.

- Kunal Purandare

AYUSHMANN KHURRANA STRUMS an imaginary guitar and melodiously sings lines from an array of Hindi and English songs playing in the background. In between posing for the camera for Forbes India at the Yash Raj Films (YRF) studio in Andheri, Mumbai, the 34-year-old has taken charge of the playlist. He regales the select few present there with anecdotes and personal memories related to each number. Clearly, the RJ-turned-VJ-turnedactor-singer is in a happy space.

Professionally, the last 15 months have been blissful for the actor who has had an enviable four hits against his name: Bareilly Ki Barfi(2017), Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), Andhadhun (2018) and Badhaai Ho (2018). The last two films have amassed a combined 300-plus crore worldwide at the box office, with his final outing giving him his maiden 100-crore blockbuster. Like a batsman who’s hit a purple patch, Khurrana is now Bollywood’s Mr Dependable, six years after making his debut with Vicky Donor (2012).

The acknowledgment is both humbling and rewarding for the lanky star. “It means a lot because it gives you more respect and credibility as an artiste. I have done this with my own conviction, and I am glad that it is working,” says Khurrana, who came from his hometown, Chandigarh, to Mumbai to become an actor in 2006 after completing his post-graduation in journalism.