Ayushmann Khurrana: Bollywood stars are no longer the only game in town

Ayushmann Khurrana, the actor known for his versatility in films like Udta Punjab and Manmarz, believes that stardom has changed with the rise of multiple entertainment platforms and audiences. Speaking at FICCI Frames in Mumbai, Khurrana said that the traditional hierarchy of Bollywood stars is no longer relevant, with influencers, YouTubers, and creators building their own audiences.

"We are dwelling in multiple universes, where there are multiple worlds of entertainment and there are multiple stars of each world," Khurrana said. "Stardom is relative and script is the star. It is not one size fits all."

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Khurrana, who comes from a background in radio and television, emphasized the importance of interacting with people in his acting career. "For me, the latter works for me, because I've come from radio background, and been a TV presenter, so I need to talk to people," he said.

"My stories are rooted, I need to talk to grassroot level people, to keep the artist in me alive," Khurrana added. "We need to be budget-friendly, connect more with people. It sounds simple but it isn't."

Khurrana believes that authenticity is essential for a successful acting career. "I've always believed that films that I do are stories are bigger than the actor," he said, recalling his experience with different genres over the last two decades.

"I'm going back to my core, which is authenticity," Khurrana said, adding that authentic subjects can still draw audiences. "I'm going back to my core. It is my genre."

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Khurrana's upcoming film Udta Teer is a return to his core genre, and he hopes it will resonate with audiences. With the changing economics of theatrical cinema, Khurrana's approach to stardom is a refreshing change of pace.

The film industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and Khurrana's thoughts on stardom and authenticity are timely. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Khurrana's approach influences the industry.