Ayushmann’s love for Bengal
Ayushmann Khurrana has sung Hindi and Punjabi songs in films such as Vicky Donor (2012) and Hawaizaada (2015), in which he played the roles of a Punjabi and a Maharashtrian, respectively. He also has a few singles to his credit — from the Punjabi track ‘Mitti di khushboo’ (2014) to the Hindi number ‘Yahin hoon main’ (2015). It seems playing characters from different cultural backgrounds and singing songs in the two languages comes easily to the actor-singer.
Now, Ayushmann will play a Bengali, for the first time, in Meri Pyaari Bindu. The movie also features Parineeti Chopra. The actor wants to sing in Bengali someday, and is apparently in love with Bengali culture.
A source says, “While preparing for his character, Ayushmann began listening to Bengali music. He listens to Rabindra Sangeet. He is also reading short stories by Rabindranath Tagore these days. If an opportunity comes along, he would like to sing in Bengali too.”
When contacted, Ayushmann confirmed the news, and said, “‘Amaro porano jaha chai’ is my favourite song. Tagore is a revered figure, and every Bengali family has his portrait in their house. Chokher Bali, the 1903 novel, is my favourite book by him. In fact, sometimes, I feel like I’m a Bengali trapped in a Punjabi’s body. Bengal is rich in art and culture. Food, music and literature are the life of Bengal.”