What was initially adopted as a survival tool, has now become a #careergoal for the actor. The outsider opted for the path less frequented to avoid getting lost in the melee. An unobvious rebel, he chose off-kilter subjects like sperm donation, erectile dysfunction, fat-shaming, sexuality of middle-aged parents, virtual romance and recently the bane of baldness. In his characters, people find a resonance of their unspoken and unsolved riddles. With the jubilation of Bala behind him, the actor looks forward to a riveting 2020 with Gulabo Sitabo and Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan… The Ayushmann juggernaut is unstoppable…
Is this the best phase of your career?
Last year, I felt I was in the best phase. This year too, I’m feeling the same. When I read the script of Dream Girl, I could sense it would be a blockbuster. At the same time, people had never seen me in a slapstick comedy. I’ve always done subtle roles. But this time round, I was loud and OTT. Of course, masses love these kinds of films. Each time I attempt something different, I’m apprehensive. Where Bala was concerned, I was confident. It had a solid script. It’s middle-of-the-road cinema, which is entertaining.
Were you nervous doing Article 15?
Yes. I was nervous during Article 15, AndhaDhun and Dream Girl. Article 15 was not a commercial movie, it’s a dark film. I feared paise kamayegi ki nahin. While AndhaDhun was experimental.
Was Bala de-stressing after doing intense films like AndhDhun and Article 15?
Doing every film is the same. Of course, if you’re doing a dark film like Article 15, it takes a toll on you. Whilst researching, I read about the underprivileged. That left me disturbed. But playing every character entails the same amount of hard work. It’s equally stressful and fun.
What excited you about Bala?
This story is from the January 2020 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2020 edition of GLOBAL MOVIE MAGAZINE.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Women don't have to only sing and dance'
'When you are new, you don't know how the industry works.' 'But when you know where you are headed, the possibilities of being conned or facing unpleasant instances is reduced.
I haven't done homework for my films'
'In India, I'm able to work with the biggest stars on creating a scene, creating that emotion, without being too hung up on their persona.
'I learned about Bollywood by being a part of it'
'In India, I'm able to work with the biggest stars on creating a scene, creating that emotion, without being too hung up on their persona.
'MY FACE IS MY GREATEST USP'
'My tool is the way I look. This is the only thing that distinguishes me.' 'Most of us dress similarly. What sets you apart is your face. If you change that also, you're like anybody else.
'My Life Was In Danger'
\"I received many threatening calls and letters.' 'A fatwa was issued against me.'
'I AM BRAHMA, VISHNU, MAHESH!'
Tanishaa Mukerji started her acting career with a bang when she got to play a YRF heroine in her second film Neal 'n' Nikki (2005).
Everybody would say I should act like My Sister
‘Padmini and are very different people.’ Our acting styles are very different. She's from a different era.’
'Girls Are Becoming Suicide Bombers'
'When I am doing a film, that film is not propaganda for me. That's a true thing.
'Four women in their 60s followed me...'
'Don't object to change; understand why people like it.' 'Don't object to change; understand why people like it.'
'EVERYBODY REJECTED ME'
It is only fair that being around the industry has to rub off on its children.
