Ayushmann Khurrana and Parineeti Chopra have one thing in common; both ate actors-turned-singers. While Ayushmann is an unconventional actor with films such as Vicky Donor and Dam Lagake Haisha, Parineeti has a glamorous streak to her with films such as Ishaqzaade, Daawat-e-Ishq and Shudh Desi Romance.
They come together for the first time in Meri Pyaari Bindu, an unusual love story where Ayushmann will be seen as a writer and Parineeti as a singer. This will be Parineeti’s first film after her break from work.
The singer in Ayushmann takes a back seat in the movie. “I had to unlearn singing in the film. I was very tempted at times because I wanted to sing a song, but the director told me I won’t get a chance since I play a writer,” laughs Ayushmann.
Parineeti chips in. “I have always wanted to sing and was waiting for an opportunity. I could think of nothing else. I sent the song to Priyanka (Chopra, Parineeti’s cousin) who was in the US. She loved it. She was very proud. For me, the film is different, something people have not seen before. Every chapter is attached to a song. It is a different narrative.”
Parineeti’s character Bindu is spunky, energetic and irresponsible. “She is all over the place. She leaves things mid-way and doesn’t have a plan. She is the girl of today and wants to follow her dreams, whereas today’s generation is very focused and has set their goals.”
Ayushmann says since he is a writer in real life, it helped him understand the role better. “I have been writing columns for newspapers. I write songs, I script for theatre. Sometimes a writer goes through the writer’s block, and I have faced it too. A writer is not a stereo typical hero. His inspiration speaks for him. Writing is an extension of one’s personality. I write a lot of non -fiction. I read a lot of fiction, but I have never thought about writing a script as yet.”
He was waiting for the movie to take off for a long time. “I signed Meri Pyari Bindu when I was doing Vicky Donor, but it didn’t happen. I went on to do Dum Lagake Haisha. It was a small film and Aditya Chopra was surprised why I was excited about it. I told him it would become big. Then came Bewakoofiyan. Out of the five films I did, two won the National Award. Success is a lousy teacher but failure teaches you more. It keeps you more grounded.”
On bonding with Parineeti, the actor says, “I am from Chandigarh and she is from Ambala. We are both from Punjabi families. Our upbringing is similar. We used to have jam sessions. I built my friendship with her over music. When we were shooting in Kolkata, we had to drive from one location to other. We would listen to Guide songs. She was working on her song Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahi. I am from a radio background. She loves old songs and is the only co-actor with whom I could discuss music.”
Parineeti adds, “We bonded over music as we both love music. We practically sang songs every day. We had a lot of fun.”About her 10-month break, Parineeti says, “I was 23 when I joined the industry. I’ve been struggling for 12 years to lose weight. It was not just about wearing glamorous clothes. I had health issues. I am fortunate that the industry put the pressure on me, which made me take 10 months off and take care of my health. Earlier, I couldn’t shoot beyond four hours.”
She is doing a comedy Golmaal series. “I also want to associate with Priyanka Chopra’s banner and do a good role. I would love to act with my sister,” she says.