Ayushmann Khurrana REVEALS His Father’s Beatings Shaped Him: ‘It Was Normal Back Then’
Ayushmann Khurrana reflects on his childhood and the strict parenting of his late father, P Khurana. The actor shares how his father’s discipline, though tough, played a crucial role in shaping his confidence and career.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s journey from a self-described underconfident child to one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actors is deeply intertwined with the influence of his father, the late P Khurana. Growing up in a middle-class household in Chandigarh, Ayushmann experienced a parenting style that was strict, even by the standards of the time.
In a recent conversation with Galatta Plus, Ayushmann reflected on his childhood, acknowledging that his father played a crucial role in shaping his confidence. However, he also touched upon the generational differences in parenting, laughing off the question of physical discipline by calling it a “normal thing" back then. When asked whether his underconfidence stemmed from such experiences, he admitted, “I don’t know, but I became a people pleaser, maybe because of that. I can’t say no." Despite the tough love, he credited his father for investing heavily in his development, ensuring that he honed his talent across multiple disciplines—acting, singing, and performing.
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Ayushmann shared that his father persistently pushed him to embrace the stage, transforming a boy with stage fright into an all-round entertainer. Whether it was birthday parties or school events, his father insisted he perform, a practice that ultimately paved his way to success. “He is the reason I am here," Ayushmann acknowledged.
In a separate appearance on the Honestly Saying Podcast, Ayushmann had previously described his father as a “dictator," recalling moments of strict discipline that included physical punishment—something he now recognizes as part of his childhood trauma. His younger brother, actor Aparshakti Khurana, also recounted a striking incident where their father disciplined him with a cricket bat for disrespecting his coach.
While parenting methods have evolved significantly, Ayushmann’s reflections highlight the complex nature of his father’s influence—strict yet deeply invested in his children’s success. P Khurana, who passed away in 2023, left behind a lasting legacy, not just as an astrologer but as a father whose unwavering push helped shape two successful artists in the industry.
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