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Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Radhika Apte Discusses Challenges of Motherhood: The Hindi Film Industry's Compatibility with Moms
Motherhood has a way of shifting priorities, but for , it's also pulled back the curtain on a long-ignored truth: Is the Hindi film industry compatible for mothers? Being a hands-on parent Radhika is also trying to hold space for her creative life. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Excerpts of the interview are as followed... ' We have no nanny and no night nurse' Now a mother, Radhika describes this phase as both overwhelming and extraordinary. Ask her if becoming a mother has changed her creative lens and Radhika, as candid as she gets, replies, "Five and a half months is a very small time to give you that answer. I'm still in the thick of it," she answers as she speaks to us from London. "We live in London, we believe in doing stuff on our own. So, we have zero help. We have no nanny, no night nurse, no cook, nobody. We do everything on our own. So, it's been very hectic, but we like it. Babies famously don't sleep. Every day is different, to be honest with you. It's been incredible and it's been very hard at the same time so far. You do look at world from a very different lens because you have a child now," she adds. Radhika Apte opens up about her motherhood journey, says she was prepared for "postpartum depression" ' Not a lot of mothers with babies can possibly work in our industry' However, while she is still finding her foot as a mother, she has deduced something on the work front. "With work, what has definitely changed, is now I've realized that how we work in India is just never going to be a possibility for me. Because in India a normal shift is minimum 12 hours. That doesn't include makeup. So, with hair and makeup it's about 13 hours, plus the travel. And no shoot finishes on time. That's 15 hours plus when it doesn't finish up on time. I've shot mostly for 16 -18 hours in my life. And that's just never a possibility anymore. I can't do it because if I do that, I'll never get to see my daughter. So, I've just realized that that's impossible. So, I must have different terms in my contracts now and a lot of people are going to have problems with that. That's made me wonder - there's so many women on film sets. We talk about gender equality and there's so many women in lots of departments. Then I want to know how many of them have children. Because it's assumed in our culture that it's okay for men not to see their children. But mothers can't afford to do that. So not a lot of mothers with babies can possibly work in our industry. Unless they have their babies dragged on set. So, I was just like, 'Wow, this is going to have to change how I work'. I have two projects that I'm about to sign and I'm gonna have to change how the contracts read. But that's really been an eye opener for me," the Andhadhun actress elaborates. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ' I don't feel like I've just completely gotten myself buried under mother duties' Through it all, Radhika finds strength in the shared load at home—something she and her partner, musician , have committed to wholeheartedly. "We're trying to find a balance. I realize that it's a longer process because every day is different. However, cliched this line is, it's actually true. Every single day is different. The baby's needs change, the baby's sleep changes, your emotion change. Everything changes every day. But we are trying to find that. We both have not given up what we need, and we give each other time to do that. I don't feel like I've just completely gotten myself buried under mother duties. I'm not completely sacrificing my entire self for it. And my partner and I share everything, like absolutely everything. We're so equal in, in how we are raising her. It's been really lovely to learn to get to know your partner better," she states. Fresh off a wave of festival acclaim for Sister Midnight , Radhika shares, "We've had really great reviews everywhere. It's actually very validating." She admits she is "Not sure how it will do theatrically". " I'm very excited to see what happens because it's so different," she signs off.
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
2 hour 18 minute crime thriller created stir at box office, suspense begins from start, movie is..., lead actor is...
Crime thriller movies over the years have gained massive prominence among audiences. These films fall in such a category which knows how to hook their audience till the very last. Today, we will discuss a film which created a stir at the box office. The movie is a great watch for your weekend. The twists and turns of the film will keep you glued to your screen. This movie features some of the leading actors and actresses from the industry. The movie was released in 2018. Though it has been 7 years since its release, the movie is still loved by audiences. If you are wondering which movie it is, then let us tell you, the film is Ayushmann Khurrana's Andhadhun. Released in 2018, Andhadhun featured Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika Apte in lead roles. Ayushmann plays the role of a blind man who somehow becomes a part of a murder. Ayushmann's character, Akash, works as a pianist and goes from place to place to showcase his talent. However, due to the same reason, he ends up at a home where a murder takes place. Akash plays a key role as the biggest eye-witness of the case. However, the real twist comes as the story progresses. The movie not only has suspense but also has romance. Ayushmann and Radhika's duo was loved by audiences. Right from the beginning, the movie holds major suspense and will not let you stop watching.
India.com
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
This 2 hour 17 minute crime thriller has more twists than Drishyam, Andhadhun, will leave you in suspense until the climax, name is…, lead actors are…
This 2 hour 14 minute crime thriller has more twists than Drishyam, Andhadhun, will leave you in suspense until the climax, name is..., lead actors are... The realm of Malayalam cinema is full of thrilling and suspenseful content. Moreover, OTT platforms have made it way easier for us to watch such exciting films anytime as per our own comfort. Today, we will talk about one of the highly-anticipated Malayalam releases of 2025, that has been making waves digitally after a strong performance in theatres. It is none other than Jeetu Ashraf's Officer on Duty, which hit the silver screens on February 20, 2025. Made on a budget of Rs 12 crore, the movie did a business of Rs 50 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Mollywood movie of the year. Following one month of theatrical release, the makers released the film on Netflix and has since garnered significant attention from audiences. Officer on Duty revolves around a tough and angry inspector, Harishankar, who is demoted to the post of Circle Inspector (CI). The story takes an unusual turn when a complainant against Chandrababu, the man who runs jewellery racket, is filed. He decides to investigate the case, navigating through the challenges and unfolding a list of horrific crimes, which are linked to its tragic past. This 2 hour and 17 minute crime thriller drama features Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani in the lead roles. Apart from them, the cast includes Jagadish, Vishak Nair, Vaisakh Shankar, Vishnu G. Warrier, and Ramzan Muhammed in supporting roles. Officer on Duty marks Jithu Ashraf's directorial debut. The film is penned by Shahi Kabir, who is known for his compelling storytelling and gripping plots. When released theatrically, the film received positive response from audience and critics alike. The performances, narrative and music garnered appreciation and it turned out to be both commercial as well as critical success.
News18
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Rupali Ganguly's Mom Dances On Kamariya Like A Pro; Seen Yet?
Television actress Rupali Ganguly celebrated Mother's Day with great pomp and joy. She hosted a grand celebration in honour of her mother, Rajani Ganguly, and treated fans to glimpses from the event. Now, her brother, ace choreographer Vijay Ganguly, known for his work in Jagga Jasoos, Andhadhun, Stree, and Love Aaj Kal, shared a heartwarming video of their mother dancing her heart out. The clip quickly caught the attention of several Bollywood A-listers. On Instagram, Rupali Ganguly's brother, Vijay Ganguly, shared a delightful video of their mother, Rajani Ganguly, lighting up the dance floor with her energetic moves. She was seen grooving to the hit track Kamariya, sung by Aastha Gill, Sachin Sanghvi, Jigar Saraiya, and Divya Kumar. Dressed in a gleaming silk saree, Rajani stole the spotlight and even gave Nora Fatehi a run for her money with her impressive performance from the Stree number featuring Rajkummar Rao.
