Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
I have always been a very practical and realistic person - Ayushmann Khurrana | Exclusive Interview
There is no doubt about the fact that Ayushmann Khurrana is one of the finest artists that we have in the industry today. Over the years, Khurrana has worked hard and proved his mettle not just as an actor, but also as a successful singer, composer, host, writer among others. Right from his debut in the award winning Vicky Donor, Delhi ka munda Khurrana has consistently raised the bar for himself. After earning accolades for his performance in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and winning hearts with popular singles like Yahin hoon main and Ik Vaari, Khurrana is all set to wow the audience in the avatar of a writer - Abhimanyu Roy. As Meri Pyaari Bindu releases today, we catch up with Ayushmann Khurrana, who discusses films, family and life in an exclusive interview with Diary of a Dancebee. Excerpts from a candid chat:
You are seen playing a Bengali character in Meri Pyaari Bindu. What were the aspects or nuances that you picked up for this role?
I strongly believe that I am half Bengali! I have a Punjabi body with a Bengali soul (smiles). This time, when I went to Kolkata for Meri Pyaari Bindu, I discovered certain things about the city. First was Rabindra Sangeet. I heard some of the songs and have started liking it. I have also read many Bengali novels. Among them, Chokher Bali is my favourite. I have also noticed that in Kolkata two cities exist. The night life of Kolkata is very active. Park Street is so alive throughout the night. Then, there is North Kolkata, where one can see the old heritage buildings standing for hundreds of years. People over there don't want to change anything, as they want to preserve the heritage and culture.
How come you haven't gone behind the mic for this film?
I knew this from the beginning that I am not going to sing in this film. Here, the singer is Parineeti aka Bindu. Even in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, I haven't sung at all. There, I was a big Kumar Sanu fan, but never sang. Sometimes, I truly believe the singer should take a backseat, and the actor should come in the forefront.
I strongly believe that I am half Bengali! I have a Punjabi body with a Bengali soul
Tell us a little bit about your affair with the music.
My passion for music started off with pure, filmy songs. I remember the first Hindi film I watched on big screen was Tezaab. I used to keep chanting 'Mohini Mohini' for a long time. That was the time when we used to hire Colour TV and VCR to watch movies at home. Then, I watched Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Baazigar. Songs from these films impressed me. Later on, when I went to college, I had some western music influence as well. At home, all of us would listen to old hindi film music. In fact, my grandmother used to sing at the Gurdwara, so that influence was definitely there. Then, I listened to Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Ghulam Mustafa. My range developed in a very broad way.
How have you dealt with the failures in your professional life?
I have always been a very practical and realistic person. I detach myself from a film after the release. Also, I know failure is the best teacher anyone could have. In the last five years, I have learnt a lot and all that has certainly helped me grow. Plus, I have worked in two National Award winning films -- Vicky Donor and Dum Laga Ke Haisha. So, that feels great!
Failure is the best teacher anyone could have
From Vicky Donor to Meri Pyaari Bindu, you have created your own space in the industry. How do you look at your journey so far?
I guess, you need to play in your own space within the industry. Do something which people are not expecting you to do. I am a commercial film hero, but my focus has always been on doing something different. Once, I remember Aditya Chopra telling me that an extension of my real life should come up on the screen. When you do different roles in your career, you should also feel the change within.
You are one of the few actors from the recent lot to have experienced fatherhood quite early. How do you take time out for the family, in between a hectic schedule?
Yes! Probably, also the youngest father in the industry (smiles). Well, I am definitely not strict or tough with my kids. I am hardly in the city. Earlier, I was not being able to give much time to them. However, now that my family has moved with me to Mumbai, I plan to spend more time with them.
I am more confident about the technical aspects of film making now - Parineeti Chopra | Exclusive Interview
After a dream debut in the Hindi film industry five years ago, actress Parineeti Chopra saw her second dream turning into reality this year. With her upcoming film, Meri Pyaari Bindu, Chopra finally made her playback debut, with a beautiful love ballad titled ‘Maana ke hum’, a song that has already topped various music charts across the country. Needless to say, not just her fans, but almost everyone fell in love with her natural, raw and soothing style of singing. Apart from her singing skills, Pari is also garnering praise for her new avatar in the film, which also stars Ayushmann Khurrana. We caught up with her in between a packed schedule, with promotional activities, rehearsals for a concert (which concluded last weekend) and a film shoot lined up later in Goa. The chirpy, beautiful actress settled down for an exclusive chat with Diary of a Dancebee, where she discussed films, fitness, love for music and lots more. Excerpts from a candid chat:
Congratulations! Finally your dream of singing for your own film came true. Tell us more about your experience?
I am so happy that I can't explain it in words (smiles). I always wanted to sing and people who are close to me knew that I am passionate about singing. When the track - Maana Ke Hum, was made and I heard it, I thought this was a soulful number which gave me so much peace. So, it was a unanimous decision that I sing for myself. The response has been amazing and I have got positive feedback beyond my expectations. It is indeed a special feeling.
How were you introduced to music in your childhood?
My father is a big music enthusiast. My mother was an NRI and after she got married to my father, she started speaking Hindi. So, my musical Influence was mixed. My mother used to listen to Blue Diamond, Abba among others, while my father is a huge fan of Mohammad Rafi. I remember during our childhood, my father used to listen to songs sung by Mukesh and he used to sit with his harmonium. When I started growing up, I started listening to both western and Indian songs. I have been trained in classical music. Also, during our childhood, both me and Mimi Didi (Priyanka Chopra) used to perform with our respective fathers in cultural functions.
People don't understand that it (weight gain or loss) has lot to do with health as well
Major part of Meri Pyari Bindu has been shot in Kolkata. How was your experience?
People of Kolkata are very knowledgeable. They have a passion for good music and awesome food. I just love being there. When you exit the Kolkata airport, you see a different city altogether. It seems like time stops there. I get a vintage vibes from the city. We can still see the black and yellow taxis there.
What were you upto during your break?
I have done up my new house with my inputs, which was very important. I have also given a lot of time to my fitness. Plus, I was busy filming for Meri Pyaari Bindu, apart from other events and endorsements. A person like me needs proper personal time to come back with loads of energy and enthusiasm.
Your brand new avatar has been loved and appreciated by your fans. What was the motivation behind this change?
The main reason is that personally, I wasn’t happy to see myself on screen. Sometimes, when you are overweight, you actually don't do justice to your given roles. So, I decided to opt for weight loss. Film is a visual medium and you need to give a lot of importance to your look. Also health wise, I was not getting the needed stamina and used to often feel very tired. So, I thought it’s high time to get my stamina back. It's been 12 long years that I have been struggling with my weight. People don't understand that it has lot to do with health as well.
When I started growing up, I started listening to both western and Indian songs
How do you look back at your career so far?
It's been a good journey. I have always tried to be different from each film. At a very initial stage of my career, I have done films like Ishaqzaade, then a Kill Dil and even Hasee Toh Phasee. Now, Meri Pyaari Bindu is a very different experience to cherish. And now, I am shooting for Golmaal 4, which again is a very unique experience.
In these five years, what are the changes that you have experienced as an artist?
I think now, I am more confident and knowledgable about the technical aspects of film making. I have more insight on lights and camera. I have also learned how to strike a balance between personal and professional life. Earlier, I used to only work hard and never gave enough time to my personal life. But, now I know how important it is to strike a balance between the two.
