Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana is widely celebrated today for his exceptional acting skills and his choice of unconventional films that resonate with audiences. However, his initial journey in the entertainment industry was filled with numerous struggles and roadblocks. Long before achieving stardom, the actor faced rejections and indifference, including a memorable brush-off from filmmaker Karan Johar. The actor revealed this lesser-known incident from his struggling days during an appearance on the popular talk show Koffee With Karan, where he fondly and candidly recalled his very first interactions with the prominent director while trying to find a foothold in cinema.
An Early Encounter During Radio Jockey Days
Interestingly, Karan Johar was among the very first major celebrities whom Ayushmann Khurrana got the opportunity to interview early in his career. Back in 2007, during his days working as a radio jockey, Khurrana attended an awards ceremony where he crossed paths with the creator of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Seizing the opportunity, the young aspiring artist managed to connect with the filmmaker and asked him for his contact number, hoping it would open doors for his acting aspirations in the Hindi film industry.
The Cold Response Over a Landline Call
Recounting the details of that specific morning during the talk show, the Badhaai Ho famed actor shared how he had asked the director for his number because he wanted to become an actor, and received a landline number in return. The very next morning, when he dialed that number and asked to speak with Karan Johar, the person on the other end of the line firmly stated that they do not audition outsiders and newcomers, delivering a disappointing message right at the onset of his journey.
Karan Johar Clarified His Stance on the Number
Addressing the anecdote during the same conversation, Karan Johar chimed in to clarify that he had indeed handed over the correct number to the young aspirant. The filmmaker maintained that giving the number was a positive gesture from his end, suggesting he must have sensed some underlying potential in the budding artist. Nonetheless, Khurrana humorously added that the whole exercise was primarily aimed at reaching the influential filmmaker directly, a goal that did not pan out the way he initially hoped at the time.
Weighing Words After Transitioning From Radio
Following the disclosure, Karan Johar asked the actor why he had never shared this particular anecdote publicly before. In response, Khurrana explained that he always had to be mindful of what he uttered in public forums. He reflected that during his tenure as a radio jockey, he was completely unfettered, allowing him to express whatever crossed his mind without second-guessing or filtering his thoughts.
Recent Releases in Cinemas
Shifting focus to his current professional commitments, Khurrana was recently seen sharing screen space with Sara Ali Khan in the comedy-packed film Udta Teer. Directed by Akshat Kaushik, the movie arrived in cinema halls on October 23. Moviegoers have been enthusiastically watching and appreciating the theatrical release.
