Full Name: Nishant Khurrana (later changed to Ayushmann Khurrana)
Stage Name: Ayushmann Khurrana
Date of Birth (DOB): September 14, 1984
Age: 40 (as of 2025)
Net Worth: Estimated ₹90–100 Crore INR (~$11–12 million USD)
Place of Birth: Chandigarh, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Actor, Singer, Television Host, Lyricist, Writer
Early Life and Education
Ayushmann Khurrana was born into a Punjabi family with a rich cultural heritage in Chandigarh. His mother, Poonam Khurrana, was a homemaker with a strong interest in literature and the arts, while his father, P. Khurrana, was a well-known author and astrologer. For astrological reasons, Ayushmann’s father changed his original name, Nishant, to Ayushmann.
After attending St. John’s High School, he went on to DAV College in Chandigarh to earn a degree in English literature. After that, he attended Punjab University’s School of Communication Studies to obtain a Master’s degree in mass communication. Ayushmann laid the groundwork for his career in narrative and performance during his college years by participating in a number of highly regarded theatre performances.
Personal Life
Ayushmann is wed to motivational speaker, author, and filmmaker Tahira Kashyap. Before getting married in 2008, the couple had been dating for a long time after meeting in school. They are parents to a daughter named Varushka and a son named Virajveer.
Particularly during Tahira’s fight with cancer, when Ayushmann supported her and gained great regard for his steadfast support, their relationship is recognised for its emotional depth and openness.
Early Career: From Reality TV to VJ Stardom
At the age of 20, Ayushmann won MTV Roadies Season 2, which marked the beginning of his rise to fame. He became popular right away because of his brilliance, charm, and streetwise demeanour. As a result, he was able to work as a VJ for MTV, hosting shows such as
- Pepsi MTV Wassup
- The Voice of Youngistaan
- MTV Fully Faltoo Movies
Later, he gained popularity on Indian television as a host of talent hunts and reality shows, such as:
- India’s Got Talent (Seasons 1 & 2)
- Music Ka Maha Muqqabla
- Just Dance (behind-the-scenes)
These encounters sharpened his charisma, comedic timing, and public speaking abilities, which eventually characterised his acting career.
Bollywood Breakthrough
In 2012, Ayushmann made his Bollywood debut in the Shoojit Sircar-directed and John Abraham-produced movie Vicky Donor. The film, which sensitively and humorously addressed the taboo subject of sperm donation, was a huge critical and financial success. He shot to fame thanks to his innate acting, original screenplay, and co-written and co-sung breakthrough single, “Pani Da Rang.”
Awards for Vicky Donor:
- Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut
- Filmfare Award for Best Playback Singer (Male) for “Pani Da Rang”
Rise as the Poster Boy of Unconventional Cinema
Ayushmann’s dedication to unconventional, socially conscious films is what makes him unique. Instead of going the traditional Bollywood way, he opted for parts that provoked discussion and represented hardships in real life.
Key Films & Performances:
- Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015): A heartwarming story about body image and marriage.
- Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017): Tackled erectile dysfunction with humor and sensitivity.
- Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017): A sweet romantic comedy with depth.
- Andhadhun (2018): A dark thriller that earned him massive acclaim and a National Film Award.
- Badhaai Ho (2018): Played a young man whose middle-aged parents have a child, blending humor with societal commentary.
- Article 15 (2019): A powerful police drama focused on caste discrimination in rural India.
- Dream Girl (2019): Played a man who impersonates a female voice on phone calls.
- Bala (2019): Dealt with premature balding and self-image issues.
- Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan (2020): A bold LGBTQ+ romantic comedy.
By presenting sensitive, imperfect, and emotionally conscious masculine characters, Ayushmann is credited with redefining masculinity in Indian cinema.
Musical Talents
Ayushmann is a gifted poet and singer as well. His indie-pop, soulful sound is well-known. In addition to “Pani Da Rang,” he has performed a number of well-known songs, including:
- “Mitti Di Khushboo”
- “Nazm Nazm” (cover)
- “Chan Kitthan”
- “Maafi”
- “Yahin Hoon Main”
He stands out in the market because to his music, which gives his artistic identity a poetic and personal dimension.
Awards and Honors
Among the many honours that Ayushmann Khurrana has won are:
- National Film Award for Best Actor (Andhadhun, 2019)
- Multiple Filmfare Awards
- Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World (2020)
- Featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list for several years.
Public Image and Social Impact
In addition to his film selections, Ayushmann is respected for his social views. He has emerged as a youth star who normalises topics like caste difficulties, mental health, body image, and gender fluidity while also pushing for inclusivity and breaking taboos. His credibility is increased by his modesty and grounded demeanour.
He furthers his commitment in worthwhile issues by serving as a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for child rights.
Legacy and Future
The tale of Ayushmann Khurrana’s transformation from a small-town kid to one of India’s most admired and unorthodox celebrities is one of sincerity, wit, and creative bravery. He is more than just a singer or actor; he is a storyteller who entertains, challenges, and uplifts through all of his media.
He keeps changing the narrative landscape of Bollywood with each project, demonstrating that popular film may have significance.
