Actor Sumbul Touqeer on returning to the big screen as a lead with Jhaad Phook: I manifested this happening
Sumbul Touqeer will return to the big screen after six years and this time, as the lead. 'I manifested this,' says the actor, adding that returning to films was always on her mind. 'Being part of Article 15 in 2019, I remember constantly telling myself: 'Abhi toh aur films karni hain, but it will have to be as a lead'. It's happening now, and I couldn't believe it until I landed on the set,' she admits.
Sumbul will be seen in the film Jhaad Phook, which marks her debut as a lead, a milestone she considers 'no less than a feat'. She adds, 'It's a little overwhelming for me.' The film is being shot in Uttarakhand.
Regarding her decision to take on the movie, Sumbul says, 'It had a fresh and compelling storyline. My focus is to do justice to my character, Astha.'
Having explored TV and music videos, she ventured into films in 2019, which is considered a natural progression for most actors who start their careers on the small screen. Now that she has experienced the big screen, would she still be open to work across mediums? 'I want to act, so why be selective about mediums? That's not me,' says Sumbul.
Regarding her selective approach to projects, Sumbul emphasises choosing projects only after careful consideration: 'I never hopped on whatever came my way. The storyteller in me is always on the lookout, and that's why I take up projects where there's something to prove
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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Actor Sumbul Touqeer on returning to the big screen as a lead with Jhaad Phook: I manifested this happening
Sumbul Touqeer will return to the big screen after six years and this time, as the lead. 'I manifested this,' says the actor, adding that returning to films was always on her mind. 'Being part of Article 15 in 2019, I remember constantly telling myself: 'Abhi toh aur films karni hain, but it will have to be as a lead'. It's happening now, and I couldn't believe it until I landed on the set,' she admits. Sumbul will be seen in the film Jhaad Phook, which marks her debut as a lead, a milestone she considers 'no less than a feat'. She adds, 'It's a little overwhelming for me.' The film is being shot in Uttarakhand. Regarding her decision to take on the movie, Sumbul says, 'It had a fresh and compelling storyline. My focus is to do justice to my character, Astha.' Having explored TV and music videos, she ventured into films in 2019, which is considered a natural progression for most actors who start their careers on the small screen. Now that she has experienced the big screen, would she still be open to work across mediums? 'I want to act, so why be selective about mediums? That's not me,' says Sumbul. Regarding her selective approach to projects, Sumbul emphasises choosing projects only after careful consideration: 'I never hopped on whatever came my way. The storyteller in me is always on the lookout, and that's why I take up projects where there's something to prove
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Indian Express
Ayushmann Khurrana on defying Bollywood hero stereotypes, managing stress, and his take on sustainability: ‘Growing up in a middle-class household…'
From anchoring on radio and reality TV to becoming one of India's most unconventional leading actors, Ayushmann Khurrana has redefined what it means to be a Bollywood star. With hits like Vicky Donor, Article 15, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Andhadhun, Badhaai Do, and more, the National Award-winning actor, singer, and poet has consistently chosen scripts that challenge the norm, be it tackling taboos around masculinity, caste, sexuality, or social stigma. 'I'm constantly on the lookout for characters who are vulnerable, real, and flawed, who rise up to do something extraordinary,' said Khurrana. In an exclusive interview with the ahead of World Environment Day 2025, Khurrana opens up about the instincts that drive his storytelling, the values shaped by his middle-class upbringing, and how sustainable living, both on and off screen, guides his everyday choices. Edited excerpts below: A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) Ayushmann Khurrana: Evolution. Every phase has shaped me. It taught me to take risks – half of my most successful films were with debutant directors. I love what I do, and I'm grateful for the opportunities. Each new project brings fresh energy. I seek out characters who are flawed, vulnerable, and yet manage to do something meaningful. My choices might not fit the conventional image of a Bollywood star, but they resonate with the audience. My journey has been that of a disruptor A post shared by Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) Ayushmann Khurrana: It's definitely a mix; instinct leads the way. I am drawn to scripts that unsettle me and push me out of my comfort zone. My philosophy is simple: I want to tell stories that matter, that reflect society's blind spots, and start relevant conversations. So yes, instinct brings me to the door, but my beliefs ensure I walk through it every time. Q3. Has mindful living shaped how you approach food, from indulgence to something more intentional? Ayushmann Khurrana: Absolutely. I've shifted from eating just for taste to eating for well-being. I still relish my sweet dishes, like a scoop of kulfi, but I make room for those treats rather than having them by default. Most meals now centre around whole grains, fresh seasonal produce, and simple home-cooked recipes. Mindful eating for me means tasting each bite, checking in with my body's needs, and choosing ingredients that fuel both body and soul. Q4. Sustainability is becoming central to how we live. Have you made any conscious changes – at home, in your wardrobe, or daily habits – that reflect this shift? Ayushmann Khurrana: Definitely. A lot of these values were instilled in me early on. Growing up in a middle-class household taught me to respect resources: never waste food, water, or electricity. Those lessons became a mindset, a way of life, and helped in understanding the impact of our actions on the planet. Today, I make small but consistent efforts – waste segregation, conserving water, switching off lights and devices not in use. These may seem minor, but collectively, they form the foundation of a healthier planet. I believe that when we live with intention and honour the resources around us, we nurture it for generations to come. Q5. If you could inspire your audience to adopt one conscious habit, what would it be, and why? Ayushmann Khurrana: Sustainability is not just a buzzword for me. I believe in making mindful choices that benefit the environment and, by extension, elevate the quality of our daily lives. I'd say start your day with a 10-minute digital detox. No phones, no screens—just reconnect with yourself. Also, avoid single-use items, whether it's tissues, paper plates, or disposable makeup wipes. These small changes are easy to adopt and can have a big impact on the planet. Q. With such a packed schedule, what helps you manage stress? Are there rituals that keep you mentally grounded? Ayushmann Khurrana: There are a few non-negotiables for me: I start the day with yoga and meditation, and then plug into music or poetry. I barely scroll on my phone as a 'break' – that is just more noise. Instead, I walk barefoot on the grass, do simple stretches, or sometimes sit quietly with a glass of Signature Packaged Drinking Water and watch the sunset. Those tiny rituals reset my headspace. Q. What's something you believe today that the younger you would've never expected but would be proud of? Ayushmann Khurrana: I have been silently manifesting the life and career I have today. I think the younger me dreamt big, even if he didn't know how it would all unfold. What he didn't expect was the courage I'd find to take risks and embrace failure. As an actor, I consciously chose to do films not set in formulas. Every film I said yes to came from a place of conviction, both from the makers and me. The subjects were not only promising but also had the potential to be thought-provoking around important societal issues that are usually not addressed. That these stories resonated with audiences is something my younger self would be very proud of. Cherry Gupta is an Assistant Manager - Content at The Indian Express. She is responsible for crafting compelling narratives, uncovering the latest news and developments, and driving engaging content based on data and trends to boost website traffic and audience engagement. One can connect with her on LinkedIn or by mail at ... Read More
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Anubhav Sinha celebrates 5 years of being smoke free on World No Tobacco Day, reveals he consumed 20 cigarettes a day
Filmmaker Anubhav Sinha On World No Tobacco Day, acclaimed filmmaker Anubhav Sinha opened up about a deeply personal milestone of completing five years without smoking. In a heartfelt note shared with Hindustan Times, the 'Article 15' and 'Thappad' director reflected on his long and difficult relationship with cigarettes, offering an honest account of how he started and more importantly how he stopped. Sinha recalled how smoking in his younger days was equated with growing into manhood. Influenced by advertisements featuring rugged male icons, lighting a cigarette was seen as a rite of passage. Back then cigarette warnings were often dismissed as mere background noise. 'Warnings felt like dares,' he shared, adding that the urge to rebel often overpowered reason in adolescence. Addiction and denial in adulthood By his mid-30s, smoking had become a daily habit of consuming an entire pack of 20 cigarettes a day. It had transitioned from being a rebellious act to a part of his daily identity. He remembers discussing cigarette brands like fashion choices but deep down he knew he needed to quit. The problem? Nicotine had its claws in too deep. Despite multiple attempts, some lasting days, others months, he always found himself back where he started. 'Ninety-nine percent of smokers I know want to quit,' he wrote in the article published by Hindustan Times. 'But they struggle.' Even after health scares, many smokers, he said continue because the addiction is overpowering. What finally made him stop Sinha finally found his resolve five years ago. No external factor triggered it. He simply told himself, 'Enough.' After trying over 20 times across three decades, something clicked and he quit. For good. 'Now my pillow doesn't smell. I enjoy smoke-free spaces. I'm clean,' he wrote. Support from his family, especially his younger brother Anupam who had quit a month earlier, and his son Shlok, a staunch anti-smoker helped solidify his decision. His message to young people: Don't start at all Today, Sinha is urging young people to never light that first cigarette. 'Not starting is so much easier than quitting,' he emphasized. Once you begin then the battle to quit becomes one of the hardest things you'll ever face. 'And if you don't quit it will hit you so hard.' Anubhav Sinha whose work often challenges social issues hopes his story helps others understand the true grip of addiction and the freedom that lies beyond it. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
