Ayushmann terms B-town 'secular'

Discrimination has been a burning topic in the country. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who is continuing on the path of backing ground-breaking content with 'Article 15', says the film industry is a secular world where no one discriminates on the basis of caste or religion.

Ayushmann, whose filmography is dotted with unconventional stories, features as a police officer in Anubhav Sinha's 'Article 15', a film which emphasizes on prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, which finds a mention in the Indian Constitution.

As for the film industry, Ayushmann told IANS: "There is no discrimination in the industry. It is purely on the basis of merit. Nobody discusses caste and religion in the industry. If you are good, you are applauded and rewarded. The industry is very secular and democratic."

The 34-year-old actor has a knack for working on quirky and unconventional stories such as 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha', 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan', 'Andhadhun' and 'Badhaai Ho', which also give out a social message.

What attracted him to "Article 15"?

"I have always aspired to do something different and 'Article 15' is a film which has never been tried by filmmakers in the mainstream space. I am glad this is happening right now as this is the time where we can be courageous with the subjects of our films.

"This is the era where we can do different stuff and still command credibility at the box office at the same time," he said.

'Article 15', releasing on June 28, has earned the ire of the Brahmin community in Uttar Pradesh over the fact that the story has been "tweaked". With the intention of portraying the accused men as Brahmins, they feel it will defame the community.

The film depicts how caste equations are prevalent in the area.

Ayushmann is sure that the film does not take any sides and has no intention to show any particular community in a bad light, especially after it has been cleared by the Censor Board.