'Culturally, Indians prefer actors over singers'

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana says since actors are more popular in India, they are often chosen to front concerts and shows instead of singers.

Recently, Sonakshi Sinha got into a Twitter spat with singer Armaan Malik, who opposed the idea of actors singing and performing at shows and in films.

It began when reports emerged that Sonakshi, would be the opening act at Justin Bieber's India gig, which was later denied by the actor.

Ayushmann, who is both a singer and actor, says culturally Indians are tuned in a way that they prefer actors over singers.

"Our country is culturally very different – only cricketers and actors are mostly in the spotlight. It has been like that since ages.

"Apart from that, actors are revered more than singers as our films are all about stars lip-syncing and they are voices of the singers," Ayushmann said.

The actor says there is a commercial aspect involved in the big concerts and the organisers try to boost up sales by involving Bollywood stars.

"The commercial aspect is attached in concerts and sponsors depend on tickets sales and want to bring in stars who the public would want to see."

"It is based on the popularity level of an artiste in a concert. I think it is culturally tuned like that. I don't know if it is right or wrong."

Work-wise, Ayushmann will be next seen in Meri Pyaari Bindu and debutante director Akshay Roy is all praise for him and his leading lady Parineeti Chopra.

Director Akshay Roy says actor Parineeti Chorpa's spontaneity and actor Ayushmann Khurrana's innocence worked well for Meri Pyaari Bindu.

The upcoming film is a romantic tale between an aspiring introvert writer Abhi (Ayushmann) and a lively Bindu (Parineeti), who wants to be the next singing sensation.

"Lot of it was on page (referring to the story) and they are very good actors, so much of it came through improvisation on the sets. The magic, the chemistry happened between them as they are good actors. It all came from them and I am lucky to capture it all," Akshay said.

According to Akshay, both Parineeti, 28, and Ayushmann, 32, are fantastic actors, who have different working style.

Ayushmann's film Meri Pyaari Bindu is slated to release on May 12.