Mumbai: Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, known for playing North-Indian roles on-screen, will be seen as a Maharashtrian in upcoming biopic 'Hawaizaada' but he says the film is not a conscious effort on his part to change his image. The 30-year-old actor, who has been a part of romantic-comedies like 'Vicky Donor', 'Nautanki Saala' and 'Bewakoofiyan', is doing a period drama for the first time.
'Hawaizaada' is based on the life of Indian scientist Shivkar Bapuji Talpade (played by Ayushmann), who is credited to have constructed India's first unmanned plane. "It is not a conscious effort to change my image. I have never planned my life. Things happen organically. Director Vibhu Puri met me two years back just after I finished 'Vicky Donor'. 'Hawaizaada' is a story of an unsung hero. By default it was image change for me as so far I have played the quintessential North Indian guy but for the first time I will play a Marathi guy," Ayushmann said.
The film also stars Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Sharda in pivotal roles. The movie is set in Bombay, 1895. Ayushmann said 'Hawaizaada' was not an easy film because his role required him to change his body language and way of talking. "I needed to break my self completely for the role- how I talk, stand and walk. Vibhu played a great role to extract the best from me. The language is different. I love living in the past and nostalgia is something which I love. You will feel gratified when you will see the film," he said.
Prasing Puri for his direction, Ayushmann said, "He has taken the creative liberty and added his own flavour and made a film on this guy who has made world's first aircraft and it is incredible." The young star says 'Hawaizaada' is a cult film and he is very confident that it will be liked by audience. "After 'Vicky Donor' this is a film made on the basis of a concept. Because these two films are cult and I am stating this before the release of this film. 'Hawaizaada' is going to be a great film and people will love it," he said.
The actor will next be seen in Yash Raj Films' upcoming drama film 'Dum Lagake Haisha', which is directed by Sharat Katariya. "I am playing a simpleton from Haridwar in the film," he said.
