It’s been a smashing year for Ayushmann Khurrana on the professional front. After his film Dream Girl 2 became a money-spinner at the box office, the actor has now been awarded the Time100 Impact award for the second time. 

Calling it a “beautiful surprise”, he remembers his late father, P Khurrana, and says, “My father’s blessings from above are with me and my intent has always been right. It’s a huge validation for my genuine efforts to disrupt my filmography.” 

Khurrana was in Singapore on September 17 to receive the award, where he quoted a verse from the Bhagavad Gita in his acceptance speech. “It was incredible to connect with icons across the world, who keep pushing the envelope in their own ways. It was amazing to witness how they view India and our contribution,” shares the 39-year-old. 

The Doctor G (2022) actor was particularly happy about meeting the Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) actor, Ke Huy Quan, at the event. “It was a fan moment for me! His childlike quality and energy were infectious. He has a balanced mind because of his journey,” he says. 

Ask him if these international honours make a difference to his career, and he replies, “Whenever we achieve something at a global stage — be it sports, science or cinema — it gives us a reason to celebrate.”

Khurrana is also ecstatic about his “efforts getting noticed” at a global platform. “I’m just making my earnest effort as a socially responsible artiste. This (getting recognition) will further encourage me and fellow Indians to push for progressive storytelling,” he wraps up.