Jack of all trades, master of none... though oftentimes better than a master of one.
In one of his interviews, Ayushmann Khurrana was asked if he ever thought
of a plan B. His answer was, “Mera toh plan B, C, D, E… sab tha.” And honestly, that one line beautifully sums up his entire journey. Ayushmann is not someone who sticks to one lane, as he is an actor, singer, writer, anchor, and more. Every role he has taken on, both on and off screen, carries his unique touch. While Bollywood may know him best as the unconventional hero who redefined mainstream cinema, his talent stretches far beyond just acting. Even after becoming successful, he has the courage (and willingness) to keep experimenting. Today, as he celebrates his birthday, let's revisit the many hats Ayushmann Khurrana wears, and how he manages to shine in all of them.
Radio Jockey
Long before cinema, Ayushmann found his voice on Delhi radio. He hosted the breakfast show Big Chai - Maan Na Maan, Main Tera Ayushmann on BIG FM after finishing his journalism degree. In 2007, he won the Young Achievers Award for his work behind the mic, proving that speaking to unseen listeners was more than a temporary gig for him. Ayushmann has often said those years shaped him enormously, teaching him timing, composure, and most importantly, how to connect with people he couldn’t see. And the skills he developed in that studio would later serve him equally well in front of live crowds and close-up cameras.
Emcee and Live-Event Host
Television and live events soon followed. Ayushmann moved to being a reality-show contestant and then to anchoring bigger stages, co-hosting early seasons of India’s Got Talent, and handling IPL-related shows and music events. These experiences threw him into noisy arenas where he had to keep energy alive, guide unpredictable evenings, and think on his feet. As an emcee, he learned to absorb audience energy and improvise.
TV Host and VJ
His television presence was no accident at all. Winning MTV Roadies in 2004 gave him visibility, and he soon became a video jockey for shows like Fully Faltoo Movies. Later, he hosted star-driven programs such as Music Ka Maha Muqqabla and Just Dance. These gigs allowed him to combine wit, musical instinct, and youthful charisma. By the time he stepped into films, Ayushmann was already a familiar face for an entire generation that had grown up watching him on their TV screens.
Singer and Music Performer
Music was never an afterthought for him. In his debut film 'Vicky Donor', Ayushmann sang “Pani Da Rang,” a track he had written with a college friend. The song won him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 2013 and set him apart as an actor who could also command the stage with his voice. Since then, he has sung for many of his films and performed live across India and abroad. His songs continue to chart on streaming platforms, and his concerts draw crowds that come to hear both the actor and the singer.
(Credit: Eros Now Music)
Writer and Poet
Ayushmann also writes (if you follow him on social media, you'd know). With Tahira Kashyap, he co-authored 'Cracking the Code: My Journey to Bollywood', a candid book on his early struggles and career choices. During the pandemic, he turned to poetry, sharing verses and tributes to frontline workers on social media.
Entrepreneur, Investor, and Brand Partner
Off-screen, Ayushmann (just like many of his peers in Bollywood) has stepped into business. He has been linked to investments and brand partnerships, including his association with The Man Company, from which he reportedly made a profitable exit. More recently, he tied up with Birla Brainiacs as both investor and ambassador. These ventures show him using his profile strategically, backing businesses, building partnerships, and occasionally cashing out, rather than simply lending his face to products.
Happy Birthday, Ayushmann!
