The Narration Of 'Dream Girl' Made Me Laugh, Says Ayushmann Khurrana On Choosing The Film

Fresh off his National Award win for his performance in Sriram Raghavan¡¯s thriller AndhaDhun, Ayushmann Khurrana is gearing up for the release of another quirky entertainer, Dream Girl, in which his character mimics a woman¡¯s voice perfectly. And apart from voice modulation, the actor also has multiple looks.

¡°That¡¯s a first even for me, I have three to four different looks. The protagonist¡¯s ability to speak in both male and female voices is the film¡¯s core,¡± he smiles.

He plays Seeta in the Ramleela, and that leads to all the twists and turns that follow in this cinematic journey. ¡°None of the mainstream actors have played a role like this, but I love doing tricky stuff though I was scared to wear a saree on the first day. It got easier as we went along though I still don¡¯t know how to drape one. But eventually, it¡¯s all about how you internalise the character and get the body language right,¡± he points out.

Before kicking off the film earlier this year, Ayushmann attended several workshops, but admits that most of the prep was voice-related, with some focus on imbibing the qualities of the women around him.

From Vicky Donor and Bareilly Ki Barfi to Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, AndhaDhun, Badhaai Ho and the recently-released Article 15, the actor has picked up some really interesting scripts and asserts that Dream Girl is by far the funniest.

¡°I laughed out loud during the narration,¡± he reminisces, quick to add that it¡¯s not just about the humour, but the message the film conveys. ¡°As an actor, one needs to be socially responsible. I¡¯m all for middle-of-the-road cinema with a concept which is novel and married perfectly with entertainment.¡±

afp

It¡¯s been seven years since the hero exploded on the scene as a reluctant sperm donor in Shoojit Sircar¡¯s Vicky Donor and has since tackled many taboo subjects, from body-shaming and erectile dysfunction to surprise pregnancy, in the process building a unique brand which appeals to both the critics and the masses.

Do expectations weigh heavily on his shoulders? ¡°More than pressure, now, I have the confidence to be brave with my choices, as my sensibility has worked with the audience. I don¡¯t want to put any additional pressure on myself.

Many subjects are taboo in India, as an artiste I get the opportunity to explore them and my discomfort in the films evoke laughter,¡± reasons Ayushmann who in the Shubh Mangal Saavdhan sequel is playing a gay lover and in Bala a smalltown guy who is struggling with premature balding

After five back-to-back successful films, Ayushmann is being touted as Bollywood¡¯s next biggie. How does it feel to be called a superstar? ¡°You need to have spent enough time in the industry before being called one. You cannot compare young actors with seniors who have been ruling hearts and the box-office for decades. We have to prove ourselves for some time before that can happen. Superstardom depends on how many successful films you give,¡± he concludes.