Sumbul Touqeer opens up on nervousness, learning from Ayushmann Khurrana in Article 15
Synopsis
Sumbul Touqeer recalls her early-career jitters opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in Article 15, revealing how the actor's mentorship turned anxiety into a transformative learning experience. From child television roles to Imlie stardom and Bigg Boss 16, Touqeer's journey reflects the evolution of a young performer finding her footing in Indian entertainment.
Key Takeaways
Sumbul Touqeer was extremely nervous performing opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in Article 15 at a young age.
Khurrana's professionalism and warmth on set helped her feel comfortable, transforming the experience into a learning opportunity.
Article 15 , directed by Anubhav Sinha , is a crime-drama investigating caste-based oppression in rural India.
Touqeer began her career as a child artist in shows like Jodha Akbar and Aahat .
She gained household recognition playing a village girl in the television drama Imlie and later appeared on Bigg Boss 16 .
Actress Sumbul Touqeer has revealed that she was extremely nervous while performing opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in the crime-drama film Article 15, but credits the veteran actor for making her feel at ease on set. In an exclusive conversation, Touqeer described the experience as transformative, despite her apprehension at working with an established performer at such a young age.
The nervousness and breakthrough moment
Touqeer shared that her initial anxiety stemmed from Khurrana's stature as an accomplished actor. "He is an amazing actor and a wonderful person. I was very young at the time and quite nervous performing with him. But he made me feel very comfortable on set," she said. She added that the majority of her scenes were opposite Khurrana, which could have intensified the pressure, yet his professionalism and warmth transformed the experience into a significant learning opportunity.
About Article 15
Directed and produced by Anubhav Sinha, Article 15 follows a police detective investigating the disappearance of three girls from a rural village, gradually uncovering entrenched patterns of caste-based oppression. The film, backed by Benaras Media Works and Zee Studios, featured Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role, alongside Nassar, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Isha Talwar, Sayani Gupta, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Sushil Pandey, Veen Harsh, and Touqeer in supporting roles. Cinematography was handled by Ewan Mulligan, with editing by Yasha Ramchandani.
Touqeer's career trajectory
Sumbul Touqeer began her acting career as a child artist, appearing in television shows including Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, Jodha Akbar, Aahat, Gangaa, Baalveer, and Mann Mein Vishwaas Hai. She progressed to series such as Waaris, Chakradhari Ajay Krishna, Chandragupta Maurya, and Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein.
Breakthrough and recognition
Touqeer achieved household recognition through the popular television drama Imlie, where she portrayed a village girl. The series, which also starred Gashmeer Mahajani, Fahmaan Khan, and Mayuri Deshmukh in lead roles, became a significant milestone in her career. She later gained further prominence as a contestant on Bigg Boss 16, which expanded her fan base considerably.
Point of View
Yet such dynamics often remain unspoken. Her willingness to acknowledge vulnerability — and credit Khurrana for easing it — signals a shift toward more transparent industry narratives. However, the broader question lingers: how many young performers lack such supportive co-stars, and what does that cost Indian storytelling?
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sumbul Touqeer say about working with Ayushmann Khurrana in Article 15?
Sumbul Touqeer revealed she was extremely nervous performing opposite Ayushmann Khurrana at a young age, but credited him for making her feel comfortable on set. She described the experience as a great learning opportunity, with most of her scenes featuring Khurrana.
What is Article 15 about?
Article 15 is a crime-drama directed by Anubhav Sinha that follows a police detective investigating the disappearance of three girls from a rural village. The film uncovers a history of caste-based oppression, with Ayushmann Khurrana in the lead role.
How did Sumbul Touqeer begin her acting career?
Sumbul Touqeer started as a child artist in television shows such as Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal, Jodha Akbar, Aahat, Gangaa, Baalveer, and Mann Mein Vishwaas Hai, before progressing to more prominent roles.
What is Sumbul Touqeer best known for?
Sumbul Touqeer gained household recognition for her role as a village girl in the popular television drama Imlie, which also starred Gashmeer Mahajani and Fahmaan Khan. She later became widely recognized as a contestant on Bigg Boss 16.
