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EXCLUSIVE: Ayushmann Khurrana on National Award: It’s a validation of my choices
Ayushmann’s track record has been great with only a few movies which didn’t do well at the box office. However, one credit he deserves is for experimenting with his scripts.
Ayushmann Khurrana had a splendid 2018 with commercial success and critical acclaim both which highlighted how the VJ turned actor has matured in his acting career. Now the two films he worked on in 2018 have both received accolades at the National Film Awards. When the Awards were announced, Ayushmann was shooting for his next film, unaware about the results. “When I got to know about it [award], I was shooting. Within 10 minutes, I received 40 missed calls. I was really anxious to know what had happened. When I started reading my messages, I got to know about it,” he says.
“I did only two films in 2018, and both got critical appreciation and commercial success. The year 2018 was beautiful. Both my films received popular awards – and now National Award as well. I am very fortunate to work with great scriptwriters and directors. It’s a solid validation of the choices I have made. It’s a team effort and a collaboration of different creative minds. I am glad films which cater to both critics and the audience are made now,” he adds.
However, he expresses that it took some time for the feeling of being a national award winner sink in. “It was a very emotional moment for my family. My father called me. He was almost choking and couldn’t even form a straight sentence. Therefore, I told him: Papa, badmein baat karlena. My wife was emotional. More than me, they were emotional. It was overwhelming. I could not express myself as there were so many people on the sets who started applauding. I couldn’t have a moment on my own,” he says.
The first National Award is a milestone in his career to celebrate. But Ayushmann has always been known to keep a distance from parties and rather spend the time with family. “Coincidentally, my mother was here in Mumbai. She doesn’t come to this city very often. To celebrate the day, we had a family dinner; that’s about it. I am not a party person. I prefer a small gathering with some close friends and family members.”
Ayushmann’s track record has been great with only a few movies which didn’t do well at the box office. However, one credit he deserves is of experimenting with his script. “I was always responsible with the selection of scripts. I have always believed that scripts that I endorse, the movies which I do, must be different, have solid one-liners, or a social message.”
“But I must admit, success gives you the courage to choose films which are more far-reaching, soul-searching, and difficult to perform. Article 15 was such a film. It’s not a comedy. It’s more of a reflection of the Indian society. It did well at the box office. It is need of the hour,” he confesses.
He concludes speaking about the trailer of his next film, Dream Girl, “I am very excited about all my films coming this and the next year including Dream Girl. These are very interesting scripts. I feel anxious and excited with every trailer release and film release. Sometimes I feel, it is a boon to have a child-like quality in an artist.”
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