Prior To The Drug Nexus Row, Deepika Padukone Wrote A Note For Ayushmann Khurrana For Featuring In TIME’s 100 Most Influential People Of 2020

Ayushmann Khurrana is undoubtedly a powerhouse performer and an all-round entertainer who has delivered eight hits in a row. Right from Vicky Donor to his Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, the highly versatile Bollywood star has made his name in the history of Indian cinema with his progressive, social entertainers. Ayushmann’s contribution as an actor to bring about social change through his films has been hailed by the most reputed global publication - the TIME Magazine.

Ayushmann has become one of the most influential people in the world by TIME. He has been featured in the most coveted and prestigious Time's 100 Most Influential People List of 2020 and ka the only Indian actor on the list. Some of the other global artists to feature in this list are music sensations Selena Gomez and The Weekend, the visionary director of Parasite Bong Joon Ho, Phoebe Waller-Bridge of Fleabag fame and Michaela Coel, a British actress who became a rage across the world for the visionary show I may Destroy You.

Deepika Padukone, who is embroiled in the drug nexus controversy had written an appreciation note for the National Film Award-winning actor for TIME magazine, way before the drug link news broke. She wrote, "I remember Ayushmann Khurrana vividly from his debut film, Vicky Donor. He had, of course, been a part of the entertainment industry in various other ways for several years before that, but the reason you and I talk about him today is because of the impact he has been able to create through memorable films and iconic characters. Where male protagonist roles often fall into the trap of stereotypical masculinity, Ayushmann has successfully and convincingly transformed into characters who challenge those very stereotypes. In India, with a population of more than 1.3 billion, only a tiny percentage of people see their dreams come alive, and Ayushmann Khurrana is one of them. You’re probably wondering, How? Talent and hard work. Sure, that goes without saying. But more important, patience, perseverance and fearlessness. A little insight for those who dare to dream." 

Five Indians have been featured in this list, including Ayushmann. The others are Narendra Modi, Indian Prime Minister, Sundar Pichai CEO of Google and London based Indian origin doctor Ravindra Gupta, who found a cure for AIDS and Bilkis - Dadi of Shaheen Bagh. Ayushmann is the youngest Indian to be featured in this year’s TIME Magazine. (ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone Consults Team Of 3 Lawyers In Goa After Being Summoned By NCB On September 25)

Speaking about the same, the Dream Girl actor said, “I’m truly humbled with the recognition that TIME has bestowed on me. As an artist, I have only looked to contribute towards bringing a positive change in society through cinema and this moment is a huge validation of my belief system and my journey. I have always believed that cinema has the power to bring about change by triggering the right conversations among people and society. Hopefully, through my content choices, I have been able to contribute towards my country and countrymen.”