Ayushmann Khurrana: Have carved a niche for myself as an actor-singer

Highlights

• VJ-turned-actor Ayushmann Khurrana feels that it has now become relatively easier for outsiders to enter the film industry as it is only the talent that matters.
• Ayushmann, who had contested on popular reality show Roadies and emerged as winner, took up a job as a Radio Jockey and hosted shows for MTV. He also started anchoring for other reality shows like India's Got Talent, Just Dance and some award functions.
• With Vicky Donor, Ayushmann made his acting debut in Bollywood opposite TV actress Yami Gautam. His second release was Nautanki Saala!.
• "Earlier, it was not easy but today it is all about talent. Indian cinema has grown over a period of time today. Everything is transparent, filmmakers do auditions and the selection is based on who fits the bill. I think I have carved a niche as an actor-singer," Ayushmann told PTI in an interview here.
• Considering that every year a bunch of new actors enter industry, Ayushmann is not bogged down with the competitiveness that the profession brings in.
• "I am not competitive at all. Every year there are at least three debutants, so always there is new lot of actors coming in industry. There is space for everyone," he said. Ayushmann aspires to work with filmmakers like Rajkumar Hirani and Aditya Chopra.
• Ayushmann, who is elated with the response to his latest film Nautanki Saala! says, he does not feel the pressure anymore and is glad that everyone is accepting him.
• "I don't feel the pressure... I believe in performance. I am new here and I am glad people are liking and accepting me. It feels great when people shower praises on you, credit you. I am happy to reach where I am today. It's all surreal," he said.
• (Pics: The Nautanki party: Ayushmann, Pooja, Gaelyn) The film Vicky Donor directed by Shoojit Sircar was based on the concept of sperm donation and infertility. The film produced by John Abraham was a huge hit and bagged several awards including the prestigious National awards.
• Nautanki Saala a comedy film starring Ayushmann and Kunaal Roy Kapur, released last Friday to a good response.
• "Last year I felt like I was giving an exam, I was nervous. But this year, I was kind of chilled out. I was confident about the film (Nautanki Saala!). It was a different film and we were hopeful audience will like it. We all had worked hard for it and it feels good that people have liked it," Ayushmann said.
• Rohan Sippy directed film has reportedly earned over Rs 14 crore.
• "I was not bothered about it (box office). I don't understand numbers. I think that department is of producer and financiers," Ayushmann said.
• "For me success of a film is not about Rs 100 crore. It does not mean that if the film earns that much amount then only it is a successful. Like Vicky Donor was made at a budget of four crore and earned over Rs 40 crore, Nautanki Saala! was made for Rs 10 crore and till now has made business of Rs 13 crore or so," he said.
• Ayushmann will now be seen in John Abraham's next home production Hamara Bajaj and YRF's untitled film with Sonam Kapoor.