Redefining heroism in Bollywood

Ayushmann is known for acting in films that make statements or send out social messages.

Asked if he is bothered about his image of playing boy-next-door characters who deal with practical problems of middle-class lifestyle, Ayushmann said, "No, I do not think so... Isn't it more heroic that I can connect and reach out to audience with a topic that others might fear to narrate?"

"I think you have to be really secure as a man to play a character like Mudit (in 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan') who is still loved by his girlfriend despite going through a problem (erectile dysfunction)." Ayushmann, who has featured in films like Nautanki Saala, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Meri Pyaari Bindu and the latest Bareilly Ki Barfi, said he wants to play characters that are larger

than life.

"Like that of A-list stars or heroes in commercial cinema do... In fact, with Sriram Raghavan's upcoming film, I am changing my gear to a dark character that I always wanted to play. I can do different characters, but with the right script and right director," he added. For Ayushmann, playing a man with erectile dysfunction was an interesting process as there was no reference point to it.

"Men feel uncomfortable to talk or deal with such problem because of the mental conditioning. When it comes to boys' talk, they proudly talk about how many girls are they dating at the same time, how many times are they doing the act, etc.... They find pride in it because we are living in a

particular society."ians