Ayushmann Khurrana: I'd rather be an actor who can sing than other way around
MUMBAI: Rising number of Bollywood stars are now taking the unconventional route and exploring their vocal skills. While several well established actors are willing to take the plunge in the musical pool, the surprise entry of newbie Ayushmann Khurrana into the field has also been well appreciated by the industry and aficionados alike.
Khurrana who tasted success with his low-budget debut film 'Vicky Donor' also got noticed for the Punjabi ballad 'Paani da' penned and rendered by him. The track is unlike the quintessential Punjabi tracks and encompasses a romantic tinge accompanied by the actor's vocals which topped the charts for several weeks.
Apart from earning rave reviews, the track has also earned the actor a nomination in the Best Music Debut category at the upcoming Global Indian Music Awards (GIMA).
Commenting on his singing skills, Khurrana says, "The Indian film industry is full of dance and music and if an actor understands music it really helps. Also if you lend your voice to your own character, it shows a lot of credibility as an artiste."
Though the RJ-turned-actor had no plans of rendering for films, his compositions and vocals have found a way in bollywood and he is all set to croon once again in his next movie `Nautanki Saala` to be directed by Rohan Sippy. Riding high on the success of his musical side, the actor has decided to sing a song for every film he dons as an actor in the future.
"To be frank, I never plan anything. I'm very pragmatic and practical- I never planned to sing songs in my films. Having said that, I don't see any problem in singing my tracks in my films. I have a musical background, so anyone would want to do it," he states.
Having dabbled with the art of jocking earlier, the former RJ would commence his show every morning in Delhi with a song from his various compositions. But inspite of treading on the path, Khurrana believes that radio jockeys should not sing on-air.
"When I was an RJ we had a training session where we were told that RJs should not sing but my urge to sing made me break that rule. But now I feel that radio is very music heavy so an RJ should refrain from it."
Even during his stint in television as an anchor for the singing reality show 'Music ka Maha Muqabla', he was often flooded with requests to render a track in particular episodes of the show. Considering the fact that around 20 well-trained singers were already showcasing the talent, Khuranna felt that him singing would not help and is glad for the decision today.
"I feel if I had rendered any track at that time, my first song 'Paani da' would not have had the same effect it did now," he reveals.
Khurrana crafted his art while in a college theatre group in Chandigargh where he composed his collection of songs – mostly romantic ballads. He also has done theatre and public speaking in school. He currently has a blog where he shares his prose and poetry.
"I will have to rework the lyrics of my songs to contemporize it as songs do get dated also or maybe write new songs for new projects. But I'd rather be an actor who can sing than a singer who can act. People do not take you seriously if you juggle several things at the same time. I would like to concentrate on my acting and I will sing only a couple of songs not more than that. The era of albums is over so I may just release a single," he added.
Radio Mirchi RJs Suren and Meera who host 'Sunset Samosa' (5-9pm) came on-board as special 'Guest Editors' at Radioandmusic.com's (RnM) office and engaged in a special interaction with Ayushmann Khurrana contributing to the fifth anniversary celebrations.
