What Did Ayushmann Khurrana Say About His Early Journalism Struggles?

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What Did Ayushmann Khurrana Say About His Early Journalism Struggles?

Synopsis

In a revealing talk at the FICCI Frames 2025 event, Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana shares his journey as a young journalist, including the challenges of saying no and the pivotal choices that shaped his career. His insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring artists and highlight his growth within the industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Learning to say no is essential in professional growth.
  • Conviction and intuition play crucial roles in decision-making.
  • Early experiences in journalism can shape one's career path.
  • Taking risks can lead to newfound respect as an artist.
  • A single project can redefine an actor's image.

Mumbai, Oct 7 (NationPress) Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana opened up about his initial career challenges, reminiscing on the hurdles he encountered as a budding journalist.

Prior to his ascent as an acclaimed actor and singer, the ‘Vicky Donor’ star engaged in journalism, balancing roles in radio, television, and theatre. During his address at the FICCI Frames 2025 event, Ayushmann emphasized that one of the most significant lessons from that period was mastering the skill of saying “no”, particularly during the nascent stages of his career. When queried about a pivotal moment that altered his life's trajectory — a time when his choice to say “yes” or “no” was crucial, Khurrana recounted his formative days in journalism, exploring various mediums.

The ’Badhaai Ho’ star remarked, “I believe that these initial steps towards success, through journalism, are foundational. I was involved in radio, television, and theatre. Saying no is the hardest aspect, especially at the start of your career. As a newcomer, turning down opportunities from influential figures is daunting, but it's essential for your growth. You must trust your instincts and convictions.”

Ayushmann continued, “However, I believe that saying yes to a specific film, Article 15, shifted perceptions about me because I was predominantly recognized for light-hearted social comedies. Article 15 tackled serious issues surrounding casteism and it performed exceptionally well, which was unexpected. Anubhav Sinha had the script and initially didn’t consider me for it. So, I essentially seized the opportunity, asserting that this was the type of film I wanted to pursue. Article 15 earned me immense respect as an artist.”

Also present at the Silver Jubilee edition of FICCI Frames was Akshay Kumar, who addressed various topics. Celebrating 25 years of the esteemed media and entertainment conclave, this year’s two-day gathering unites prominent voices from the industry to delve into the changing dynamics and future of entertainment.

Point of View

Ayushmann Khurrana's reflections on his early career as a journalist resonate with many in the industry. His experiences underline the importance of conviction and intuition in professional growth. His journey serves as a guiding light for aspiring journalists and artists, emphasizing the need for resilience and decision-making in a competitive environment.
NationPress
07/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What challenges did Ayushmann face as a young journalist?
Ayushmann Khurrana faced numerous challenges, particularly the difficulty of saying 'no' to influential figures early in his career, which he described as a critical lesson.
How did Ayushmann's journalism background influence his acting career?
His background in journalism allowed him to develop a strong sense of intuition and conviction, which he later utilized in making impactful choices in his acting career.
What was Ayushmann's turning point in his film career?
His decision to accept the role in 'Article 15' marked a significant turning point, as it shifted public perception of him from a comedian to a serious actor.
Nation Press