It wouldn't be an exaggeration to state that the success of his last two outings, much celebrated Badhai Ho and the deliciously dark Andhadhun catapulted Ayushmann Khurranan into a different league of sorts. His boy next door image has helped Ayushmann resonated with the masses--be it it his stint with radio,  television (the most charming 'Roadies' ever) or even in his debut film Vicky Donor. The 34-year-old actor dares to enter a new space with his hard hitting film Article 15 that shines light on discrimination based on caste in India.

" The success of my past films has given me the courage to take up a film as hard-hitting with dark undertones to it (as Article 15). It is not an easy 'yes' for an actor (to take up this brave movie). This film is beyond commercial aspirations. It is a film you do for yourself as indeed for your country," says Ayushmann Khuranna. Article 15 Trailer: Ayushmann Khurrana’s Realistic Cop Drama Makes You Face the Burning Issue of Casteism – Watch Video

Ask him if he has ever faced discrimination or has ever dared to raise voice against the practice, Khuranna sheds light on how prevalent is discrimination. " I have NOT faced discrimination. This doesn't happen to you if you are born into an 'upper caste' family in India and I think this (practice) should be abolished completely. I have faced discrimination abroad being a desi boy.," admits the charming actor with a stoic face.

"But you know what... this happens on a daily basis. It is only in India that we have different utensils for our domestic help. This doesn't happen abroad. You can share your meal with your chauffeur in the US, but not in India. We (Indians) think this is the norm and this is pretty normal," stresses Ayushmann.

Has Article  15, the film with a strong social message changed Khurranan fundamentally, we ask. " It has changed me for sure as I had a keen interest in this particular social issue. I have read a lot of literature on Dalits and what they go through on a daily basis especially in the rural parts of the country. After doing this film, I have become more sensitized as an artist," maintains Ayushmann.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2019 09:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).