Today there are no heroes only actors

Nonika Singh

They may not be like the proverbial chalk and cheese. But Aparkshakti Khurana, the younger of the Khurana siblings, insists the two brothers are indeed very different. “While Ayushmann Khurrana is subtle and rather quiet, Aparshakti, by self-admission, is full of beans. As he puts it, “I am a loud Punjabi.”

But, if judging by Aparshakti’s latest string of performances, you deem that he is more versatile of the two, he takes offence on behalf of big brother, who is creating waves with his two latest releases — Andhadhun and Badhaai Ho. 

In a lighter tone, Aparshakti laughs, “That is a conspiracy to create a rift between the two brothers.”  No doubt Aparshakti holds elder brother in great esteem and owes him a big debt of gratitude too; not because Ayushmann ensured a place for him in the film industry, but rather like any supportive brother he guided him. “When we were small, he would help me with my homework, today he helps me hone my craft. But ultimately my journey is my own.”

Sibling revelry

No, he doesn’t think his recent performances in Stree and Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi is a rebuttal to sceptics, who thought he was in the industry courtesy his bade bhaiya. He says, “For no one made that insinuation. Besides, had I been piggyback riding on Ayushmann’s success, my launch would have been like that of star sibling.”  

Instead he made his foray like any regular newcomer.  If Dangal made people sit up and take notice of him, Stree had them applauding all the way. Seriously rubbing shoulders with National Award-winning actors such as Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi must have been intimidating.  He reasons, “See when you work with actors of such calibre, you do need to pull up your socks. But at the same time, these actors give you the perfect cue and ensure you give your best. For acting is as much a reaction as action.” 

Different path

Is he eyeing the typical romantic hero part? He answers, “We are living in times when there are no heroes only actors. And as an actor, I want to get better and better, play different parts and as quirky as possible.”  What made him say yes to the role of a homosexual in Happy Phirr Bhaag Jayegi was once again the desire to chart the path less treaded. He quips, “People spend a lifetime in filmdom, yet they haven’t done anything as challenging as this.” For him, the greater challenge was to make his character seem as normal as any other. 

With decriminalisation of homosexuality, the future, he is positive, will unfold even greater normalisation of characters of the LGBT community.  As for his future, well, he laughs, “That only my astrologer father P Khurana can foretell.”  

Up next

An actor proposes and audience disposes...  he knows it all too well. “All that is within your control is your work.” Ah, yes right now he can sway his remuneration fees, and you bet post Stree he has hiked it by many notches. Success sure tastes sweet and more recently he has heard several narrations. To be soon seen in Luka Chuppi and Jabariya Jodi... he is in no hurry to sign on the dotted line or to repeat himself! 

nonikasingh@tribunemail.com