Many small-town boys come to the city of dreams to fulfill their sapna of being on the big parda. Some fail and return home, while others are lucky enough
to live their Bollywood dreams. Among those select few is Ayushmann Khurrana. His journey in the Hindi film industry is a rare story of an outsider steadily creating his own space through courage, persistence, and, of course, sharp script choices. On his birthday, here's looking at Khurrana's journey in Bollywood, which is as unconventional as his hit films. Coming from Chandigarh with no film family connections, he entered the industry with a background in theatre, music, radio, and television. With him, he brought along a sensibility rooted in everyday India. Ayushmann, with his charming personality and dimpled smile, won hearts as he debuted with Vicky Donor in 2012. Playing a sperm donor in a quirky yet heartfelt film was a risk few newcomers would have taken. But this guy turned that gamble into his signature style. One film after another, Ayushmann started making the audience laugh, feel, and THINK. Whether it was body image in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, middle-class aspirations in Bareilly Ki Barfi, aging pregnancies in Badhaai Ho, or caste realities in Article 15, he built a filmography that spoke directly to audiences looking for fresh and meaningful entertainment. By the time Andhadhun won both critical acclaim and commercial success, Ayushmann had already become a bankable actor and the face of the modern social dramedy. What also made his journey remarkable was his willingness to embrace failures along the way. Not every film worked, but each attempt reinforced his image as an actor unafraid to experiment. He added commercial tadka to his filmography and did roles that stood out. Last, the actor was seen in comedy flick Dream Girl 2. While it didn't win praise like the original, Ayushmann once again proved he's not afraid to experiment. Now, with Thama, a horror-comedy love story, Ayushmann is set for what many think his big screen comeback. The film promises a blend of romance, supernatural thrills, and humour. Is this going to be yet another bold step in a career built on breaking stereotypes? Only time will tell.
