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Becoming a Bollywood star is the ultimate dream for many in India. Yet, history has shown that even star kids, despite all the privileges of lineage, often fail to leave a mark. In contrast, there are rare outsiders who carve their own path, driven by resilience and raw talent. This is the story of one such actor who once sang in trains, endured his father’s harsh discipline, and faced rejection from ace filmmaker Karan Johar- yet rose to become the face of socially-driven Hindi cinema.
Singing in Trains: The Humble Beginnings
In his college days, the actor didn’t have fancy auditions or celebrity connections. He and his friends used to hop on the Paschim Express- the train from Delhi to Mumbai- and perform in each coach, collecting money from passengers.
That earnings funded a Goa trip once. More than money, those train journeys gave him confidence, a taste of performance, and an understanding early on that art could be both passion and survival.
The actor is none other than Ayushmann Khurrana.
A Childhood Marked by Struggle
Behind the charm and confidence that audiences see today lies a difficult childhood. Raised in Chandigarh, Ayushmann often faced his father’s authoritarian discipline- slaps, chappals, even belts were used in the name of “tough love.” In later interviews, he admitted that these experiences left him with deep insecurities and made him a people-pleaser. Yet, those scars eventually gave him the strength to channel vulnerability into his art.
The Roadies Breakthrough
Before films, recognition came through television. Ayushmann appeared on MTV Roadies and went on to win its second season in 2004. His sharp wit, spontaneity, and relatability made him a fan favourite. This victory opened doors to opportunities in television and radio, allowing him to slowly build his presence in the entertainment industry.
Rejection from Bollywood’s Big League
Success didn’t come easy. When he tried reaching out to Dharma Productions, hoping for a break, the response was brutal: “We only work with stars, not outsiders.”
It was a setback that could have ended his dream. Instead, he treated it as motivation to prove himself, later chronicling the incident in his book Cracking the Code: My Journey in Bollywood.
The Big Break with Vicky Donor
In 2012, Ayushmann made his film debut with Vicky Donor, a lighthearted yet bold take on sperm donation- a subject Bollywood had never touched before. His performance not only stunned audiences but also announced the arrival of a fresh, fearless talent. The film was both a critical and commercial success, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut and instantly setting him apart from his contemporaries.
Cementing His Place as a Social Crusader
From there, he carefully chose roles that challenged stereotypes, Dum Laga Ke Haisha dealt with body image, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan tackled erectile dysfunction, Article 15 shed light on caste discrimination, and Andhadhun showcased his versatility as an actor. Each performance balanced entertainment with substance, turning him into the rare mainstream actor who could make audiences laugh, cry, and think- all in the same film.
