Ayushmann Khurrana, the versatile Bollywood star, is set to embark on a highly anticipated U.S. tour with his band Ayushmann Bhava, marking a return to the live performance stage after an eight-year hiatus. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Khurrana opens up about his passion for music, his journey as an actor, and the profound connection he seeks to forge with his audience through his art.

Connecting with Fans, One Performance at a Time

Embracing the Instant Gratification of Live Music

Ayushmann Khurrana, known for his nuanced performances and unconventional character choices in Bollywood, finds a unique sense of fulfillment in live music. The actor-singer explains, "As an artiste, I always look forward to connecting with people who appreciate my music and movies. I like to see their reactions first-hand. I have tried, very carefully, to nurture them through my work and my efforts in reaching out to them."For Khurrana, the stage represents a platform for immediate connection and gratification, a stark contrast to the methodical approach he brings to his acting career. "Stage will always be my first love because it is instant gratification for people when you perform," he says. "I want people to go through a whirlwind of emotions and tell those who couldn't be there that they missed something special. If I could do that, my music would have touched their hearts."

Returning to His Roots: From College Musicals to the American Stage

Khurrana's upcoming U.S. tour with Ayushmann Bhava represents a homecoming of sorts, as the actor-singer revisits his musical roots. "Making music and touring is definitely one big opportunity for me to meet people, interact and engage with them while showing them who I am, what my core is, through my music," he explains. "Moreover, I have also done musicals in college, so this is like homecoming for me."The tour promises an intimate experience for fans, combining Khurrana's musical prowess with thoughtful discussions about life and poetry. "I want people to go through a whirlwind of emotions and tell those who couldn't be there that they missed something special," he says, underscoring his desire to create a truly memorable experience for his audience.

Balancing Acting and Music: The Importance of Parallel Passions

While acting remains Ayushmann Khurrana's primary career, he emphasizes the significance of maintaining multiple creative outlets. "I always wanted to be an actor, but music is my parallel passion. It is very important for everyone to have a parallel passion and I am glad that I have been gifted with the skills of songwriting, singing and performing on stage," he says.This dual pursuit of acting and music has allowed Khurrana to explore different facets of his artistic expression, enriching both his professional and personal life. "I have tried, very carefully, to nurture them through my work and my efforts in reaching out to them," he reflects, highlighting the importance of cultivating a multifaceted creative identity.

Defying Stereotypes: Khurrana's Unconventional Approach to Bollywood

Ayushmann Khurrana's acting career has been marked by a willingness to challenge traditional Bollywood stereotypes. Starting with his debut in "Vicky Donor" (2012), where he played a sperm donor, Khurrana has consistently chosen roles that defy the macho archetypes often associated with leading men in Indian cinema."I have made a point of playing diverse characters with roles that fly in the face of traditional Bollywood macho stereotypes, and the majority of them have been box-office successes," he says, underscoring his commitment to redefining the landscape of Bollywood storytelling.Khurrana's ability to captivate audiences with his nuanced performances and unconventional character choices has earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. As he embarks on his U.S. tour, the actor-singer's multifaceted artistry is poised to captivate a new audience, further solidifying his status as a trailblazer in the industry.

The Next Chapter: Exploring New Horizons in Film and Music

With his upcoming horror-comedy "Thama" on the horizon, Ayushmann Khurrana continues to push the boundaries of his craft, exploring new genres and challenging himself as an actor. At the same time, his return to the stage with Ayushmann Bhava represents a homecoming of sorts, allowing him to reconnect with his musical roots and share his passion with audiences across the United States.As Khurrana navigates the delicate balance between his acting and musical pursuits, his unwavering commitment to artistic expression and his desire to forge deep connections with his fans remain the driving forces behind his multifaceted career. With each performance and each new role, Ayushmann Khurrana solidifies his status as a true Renaissance man of Bollywood, inspiring audiences with his versatility, authenticity, and unwavering dedication to his craft.