Aparshakti Khurana: From Supporting Roles to Helmet and His Journey Beyond Ayushmann Khurrana’s Shadow

It is never easy to step out from the shadow of a successful sibling. And when that sibling is Ayushmann Khurrana, the challenge becomes even greater. But Aparshakti Khurana has managed to carve his own identity with ease and consistency. Having appeared in films like Dangal, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Happy Phirr Bhag Jayegi, Stree, Luka Chuppi, Bala and Pati Patni Aur Woh, the 32-year-old actor now awaits the release of his first lead role film, Helmet.

In a conversation with SAURABH TANKHA, Aparshakti talks about Helmet, his love for music, his sports background, choosing meaningful roles, and his philosophy of staying grounded in an unpredictable industry.

On Helmet and expectations from the film

Helmet, directed by Satram Ramani, is a quirky comedy based on the stigma around condoms and how people feel embarrassed buying them from medical stores.

“It is a happy and quirky comedy film that families can watch together,” says Aparshakti. He hopes audiences will accept him as a lead actor with the same warmth they have shown in supporting roles.

“I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I hope they like me,” he adds.

‘Helmet is a happy and quirky comedy film which the family can sit together and watch’

Music, lockdown and Ghanta

During the lockdown, Aparshakti also explored music and released his song Ghanta, which reflects the unpredictability of life during that phase.

Before this, he had co-composed tracks like Teri Yaari and Kudiye Ni. “Music has always been a passion. But releases need timing and space,” he says.

Love for music runs in the family

Like his brother Ayushmann Khurrana, Aparshakti shares a deep love for music. “At home, music is constant. We often sing Kishore Kumar and Rafi Saab songs during family gatherings,” he shares.

However, he admits that despite their shared passion, the two rarely get time to collaborate. “Whenever we meet in Chandigarh, the house is always full of family. There’s hardly any time to sit and jam,” he says, hoping they might someday create a song together.

‘Not me and bhaiya alone, all of us at home enjoy music. We sing a lot of Kishoreda
and Rafi sa’ab songs’

Choosing roles over screen time

For Aparshakti, the length of a role does not matter as much as the story.

“If the world of the film is real and the writing is honest, I want to be part of it—even if the role is small,” he says, adding that his past work reflects this belief.

Sportsperson at heart

Asked who he identifies with most—actor, lawyer, or sportsperson—Aparshakti chooses the latter without hesitation.

“Definitely the sportsperson. Everything I have achieved is because of my sports background. It has given me discipline, energy, teamwork, and positivity,” he says.

Before entering films, he studied law and worked at the Delhi High Court, later becoming a radio jockey before moving into acting.

‘Whatever I have achieved is due to my sports background. It has given me the right attitude to work hard, stay disciplined and be a team person’

 

On dreams and mindset

Aparshakti believes in focusing on the process rather than outcomes.

“I dream of working every day of my life without worrying about results. Sometimes you get rewards, sometimes you don’t. That’s not in your control,” he says.

‘I regularly dream that I should keep working each day of my life till I’m alive’

 

OTT, films or theatre?

For Aparshakti, content is the only deciding factor.

“Any platform that offers good content works for me. As an actor and audience, I only look for strong stories and good characters,” he says.