Ayushmann Khurrana's journey to Bollywood stardom is a tale of perseverance, rejection, and talent. From being a 'train singer' to an A-list actor, read on. (Image Source: Instagram)
Ayushmann Khurrana's success in Bollywood is nothing if not inspiring while a middle-class boy from Chandigarh, his rise to fame was not an easy one. From getting rejected by Karan Johar to singing on trains to raise money for his journeys, Ayushmann's journey is one of resilience. He is now not only an actor with a slew of hits under his belt, but also a successful singer and a leading man in Bollywood. His story is a testament to how hard work, dedication, and talent can assist you in finding a niche, even in a field where nepotism reigns supreme. Here's an inside look at his remarkable journey.
Ayushmann's early life was anything but glamorous. Born in Chandigarh, he was a keen theatre and singing participant from a very young age. But it was during his college days that he actually understood the virtue of hard work. To support his college tours, Ayushmann used to sing on trains with his friends. "We would sing on trains, and passengers used to give us money. We used that money to finance our Goa tours," Ayushmann reminisced. This modest start later paved the way for his successful career.
Read More: Shah Rukh Khan's foundation provides relief to 1500 Punjab flood victims - The Daily Guardian
Ayushmann's life was not just molded by his interest in the arts but also by his father, P Khurrana. Although Ayushmann gives his father the credit for raising him, he also admits that his father was a strict person and made use of corporal punishment. Ayushmann revealed that his father would scold him for little mistakes, even falsely accusing him of smoking, which was traumatic. In spite of that, Ayushmann has always looked up to his father as a disciplinarian and thinks that it must have contributed to his own personality.
Ayushmann himself was clear that he wanted to be an actor, but in the initial phases, he faced rejection. One of the biggest rejections was from Karan Johar. When Ayushmann was a radio jockey, he had gotten Karan Johar's landline number. When he phoned and showed interest in auditioning, he was informed that "newcomers and outsiders" were not given a chance and this did not deter Ayushmann. It only made him more determined to establish himself in the industry.
Ayushmann initially made it big with the movie Vicky Donor in 2012. Donning the character of a sperm donor was taking an huge risk for a debutant, but it was worth it. The movie became a super hit, both on the critical acclaim front and on the box office, and Ayushmann soon found himself the representative face of a new trend in socially conscious comedies. He went on to produce and direct numerous successful and hit films such as Badhaai Ho, Article 15, and Andhadhun, all of which were proofs of his range as an actor.
Ayushmann is now all lined up to act in Thama, the newest entry in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, a shared universe appreciated for its fusion of horror and comedy. The movie, with a release date on Diwali 2025, will also star Rashmika Mandanna, Paresh Rawal, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles. With four earlier movies in the universe garnering over ₹1200 crores together, Thama will surely be another blockbuster.
Ayushmann was a radio jockey prior to becoming a household name before the age of 22. He was among the youngest to anchor a breakfast show, a program traditionally handled by experienced professionals. His time in radio also brought him in contact with the public, paving the way for his role as an actor. In a turn of events, Ayushmann did not even audition for the hit reality show Roadies. He was approached by the channel and went on to win the show, yet again showcasing his knack for turning all opportunities into gold.
Ayushmann's career was not free of struggles. In 2022, he also suffered from a health problem – vertigo – which made it challenging to do action scenes in An Action Hero. Yet Ayushmann pushed through with the help of meditation and inner peace to combat his vertigo while his passion for his work and his mental toughness has been instrumental in his success.
Read More: Nina Dobrev & Shaun White Split: Age Gap, Net Worth, and Shocking Reason for Breakup
Ayushmann Khurrana's rise from a 'train singer' to an A-list Bollywood actor is an outcome of his hard work, his willpower, and his talent while it is an inspirational account that proves success isn't overnight, but especially so for an industry outsider and with his multifaceted performances, voice of the soul, and backbone of steel, Ayushmann Khurrana finds his place in Bollywood.
