Ayushmann Khurrana has carved a niche for himself in Bollywood with his unconventional roles and versatile performances. From his debut in ‘Vicky Donor’ to his portrayal of challenging characters like a sperm donor, a balding man, and a gay lover, Khurrana has continuously pushed boundaries and won accolades for his acting prowess.
Beyond his on-screen achievements, he is also admired for his experimental sense of style and his roles as a devoted husband and father. With each film, Khurrana proves himself to be a multifaceted talent in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood.
Vicky Donor – 2012
Streaming On: Jiocinema
The classic and also one of Ayushmann’s best performances, Vicky Donor is a 2012 Indian comedy-drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar. Starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Yami Gautam, it explores the concept of sperm donation with humor and heart. A game-changer in Bollywood, it is a must-watch for its unique storyline and brilliant performances.
Shubh Mangal Saavdhan – 2017
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video
Breaking the stigma around yet another societal issue, this rom-com sees Ayushmann Khurrana shed light on the topic of erectile dysfunction. From his unusual love story with Sugandha Joshi (Bhumi Pednekar) to the moment the couple finally face with the challenge of impotency, the movie shatters societal stereotypes one scene at a time, taking the issue of ED from taboo to dinner table conversation.
Badhaai Ho – 2018
Streaming On: Disney+ Hotstar
Embark on a laughter-filled journey with “Badhaai Ho,” a comedy-drama that challenges societal norms. Ayushmann’s character finds himself dealing with the news of his parents’ unexpected pregnancy, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments. This film strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotions.
Bala – 2019
Streaming On: Disney+ Hotstar
How far would you go to meet the world’s unattainably high standards of beauty? Touching upon the themes of body image, (specifically hair loss and skin colour), Bala puts Ayushmann Khurrana in the shoes of Balmukund Shukla, a young man from Kanpur who sells fairness creams for a living, and is dealing with the issue of premature baldness. The film also sees Khurrana’s popular contemporaries, Yami Gautam and Bhumi Pednekar, in lead roles.
Article 15 – 2019
Streaming On: Netflix
With Article 15, Ayushmann Khurrana used his acting chops to spotlight India’s issue of casteism. Based on real-life events, this chilling crime drama centres around the story of the brutal murder of two teenage girls in a small village of Uttar Pradesh. Khurrana plays an ‘upper-caste’ IPS officer, and it is through his lens that we see the dark realities of the caste system faced by Dalit communities in the country.