Actor Ayushmann Khurrana’s brush with spirituality has powered his growth and inspired him and his wife Tahira to fight back a grim diagnosis
WALKING THE TIGHTROPE BETWEEN BEING STARS and remaining true to their art form does not come easy to Bollywood actors. Ayushmann Khurrana, 34, has emerged as a surprising exception. Khurrana made his debut in 2012 with Vicky Donor, where he played a west Delhi Punjabi boy who falls in love with a Chittaranjan Park Bengali girl. The film portrayed the peculiarities of the two communities tenderly and comically, while exploring the topic of infertility. Khurrana owned the character of Vicky, a sperm donor, and established himself as a reliable actor with excellent comic timing. His recent back-to-back successes—Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2017), Andhadhun (2018) and finally the `200-crore grosser Badhaai Ho (2018)—have propelled him into Bollywood’s league of stars. It is a commendable achievement when one sees how many ‘non-star kids’ versus ‘star kids’ make it. It is also worth emphasizing how Khurrana has managed to do so through the roles he essays. Unlike his non-star kid contemporary Ranveer Singh—whose biggest hits are larger-than-life movies like Bajirao Mastani and Simmba—Khurrana’s unique selling point is his ability to bring to life ordinary, relatable characters with a touch of comic innocence.
Challenging Times
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
READER'S DIGEST-BOOKS
These book summaries highlight Siddharthya Roy's exploration of conflict and violence, Michael Castleman's deep dive into the history of publishing, and Swadesh Deepak's examination of social issues and masculinity through Hindi literature.
Man with printed sarong
A lawyer, pianist, critic, and mentor to artists, Lionel Wendt is best known for his photographs of Sri Lanka, especially those of people indigenous to the island, captured amidst the lush landscape or posing in his studio.
Too Much?
New studies show that even moderate drinking is a health hazard. Here’s a frank look at the toll alcohol takes on the body
ME & MY SHELF
Coimbatore-born Prashanth Srivatsa is a science fiction/fantasy writer whose stories have appeared in magazines such as Asimov’s, Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance. magazines such as Asimov's, Magazine of Fantasy Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance.
Small Business, Big Heart
Caring for people is part of the deal at family-run shops
Spill the Beans
Everyone has secrets. Here's why you should share yours
It Happens ONLY IN INDIA
Angry lovers are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.
FULL STEAM AHEAD!
I GOT THE CHANCE TO DRIVE THE WORLD'S LAST SCHEDULED STEAM TRAIN
Stressed and Worn Down
More and more people are clenching and grinding their teeth. Here's what to do about it
THIS BACON FAKERY MUST STOP
I was recently given bacon-flavoured dental floss for my birthday.