Ayushmann Khurrana: ‘I Don’t Look at Whether a Filmmaker Is Directing Their First Film or Their Tenth’

Ayushmann, who is preparing for the release of *Udta Teer*, has frequently collaborated with filmmakers at different stages of their careers. His filmography includes projects such as *Dum Laga Ke Haisha*, *Shubh Mangal Saavdhan*, *Dream Girl*, *Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan* and *Doctor G*.

His upcoming film *Udta Teer* marks writer Akash A. Kaushik's feature directorial debut. Ayushmann has also previously worked with debut filmmakers, including Sharat Katariya on *Dum Laga Ke Haisha* and Raaj Shaandilyaa on *Dream Girl*.

“For me, the script always comes first. I don’t look at whether a filmmaker is directing their first film or their tenth film. I look at whether they have a story and a vision that can excite me,” Ayushmann said.

The actor said working with new voices can bring a different perspective to the filmmaking process and has contributed to some of his most memorable experiences.

“They bring hunger, freshness and the courage to look at familiar subjects differently. I have always believed that when the conviction behind a story is strong, it deserves to be supported,” he added.

Speaking about *Udta Teer*, Ayushmann said it was the distinctive world created by Kaushik that attracted him to the project, beyond its genre.

“Every new director brings a different energy to the set. With Udta Teer, what drew me in was not just the genre, but the world Akash had created,” he said.

Describing the film's tone, Ayushmann said the story combines humour and emotion while remaining connected to a larger idea.

“It is rare to find a script that can be chaotic, funny, emotional and rooted in a larger idea at the same time. I wanted to surrender to that vision and allow the character to take me somewhere unexpected,” he said.

In *Udta Teer*, Ayushmann plays Bilal Ahmed, a Pakistani spy who suffers memory loss and subsequently begins to believe that he is Indian.