Bollywood Actor Ayushmann Khurrana Opens Up About His Journey in Bollywood
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap’s Cracking the Code: My Journey to Bollywood is a must-read for everyone aspiring to "make it big” in the entertainment industry. Khurrana documents his experience in the show Popstars before becoming a part of the famous Indian show MTV Roadies 2 and eventually becoming a VJ in Bombay as he shot towards his career as an actor in tinsel town. Khurrana made his debut with the hilarious comedy Vicky Donor (2012), which explores the current issues of infertility and the culture of sperm donation. Since the film's release, he has become a fan favourite and has gone on to star in films such as Nautanki Saala (2013) and Bewakoofiyan (2014) with Sonam Kapoor.
While Khurrana has quickly become a chocolate boy in Bollywood, his autobiography is written in a nonchalant, casual way, touching on the harsh realities that many aspiring actors and actresses face in the Indian cinema industry. As his journey began in Bombay, he recollects how many of his friends have been trying to catch a break for almost ten daunting years. While his story is not unlike the tales of many who have attempted to make it in the entertainment industry, Khurrana’s passion for acting was born when, as a child, he danced and acted in Shree 420’s “Mera Joota Hai Japani.” Unfortunately, he observes in his autobiography that many people in his hometown would start comparing themselves to him and assume that his popularity and fame were not difficult to earn at all. I argue that he has written this book to show that achieving success in any career takes a lot of dedication, commitment and passion — nothing is ever as easy as it looks — and requires hours of hard work and the drive not to give up.
As a child, Khurrana had a choice, like many youths in South Asian countries, to either become a doctor or an engineer. He chose the medical field, but his dream had always been to become an actor. For him, however, the road has not always been easy, although he has enjoyed relative success in the cinema industry. Khurrana is more of a method or theatre actor, which is apparent in his films. I recommend his autobiography to people who are interested in becoming part of the entertainment industry, which also doesn't always already promise a lucrative career. There's always a struggle. Khurrana's tone throughout is humble and often insecure, perhaps hinting that recollecting his journey is a cathartic experience.
As an actor currently, Khurrana is apparently still coming to terms with his childhood as a small-town boy coping with fame and popularity. He frequently references the culture shock he had when his friend invited him to live with him and his girlfriend in Mumbai until Khurrana could make other arrangements to stay in the city. He remembers the uncomfortable moment when all three of them had to share a bed. His uneasiness also shows the many cultural difficulties and challenges that aspiring actors face in Mumbai. His book also reminded me of Madhur Bhandarkar’s hard-hitting and riveting film Fashion (2008) about India’s fashion industry and the struggles that women face as they aim to become supermodels.
Khurrana’s autobiography is a fast read and a tell-all tale of one man’s journey to becoming an actor in Indian cinema.
Feature Image Source: Aaj Tak
Nidhi Shrivastava
Author
Nidhi Shrivastava (@shnidhi) is a Ph.D. candidate in the English department at Western University and works as an adjunct professor in at Sacred Heart University. She holds double masters in South Asian Studies and Women's Studies. Her research focuses on Hindi film cinema, censorship, the figure o...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
