Ayushmann Khurrana is part of the growing breed of actors who are singing songs in their films. `I never thought it would become such a huge trend when I sang 'Pani da' for Vicky Donor (2012). But it was a welcome change. If you are singing for your own on-screen character, it feels more credible. Lip-syncing is a very Indian trend. No one does it in the west,` he says.

The actor, who has sung several songs in his movies, and has even released a few singles, considers himself `an actor first and then a singer`. He says, `Singing is a parallel vector for me. I am not just a singer, as I compose and write my songs too. So, there's a whole new dimension.`


Many other actors such as Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha and Shraddha Kapoor have also started singing songs in their films. `It is a great PR plug too. This attracts more fans,` says Ayushmann.The actor-singer recently returned from a successful music tour in the US. He says he felt `like a rock star there`. `Singing in a studio and on stage are very different experiences. My eight-city US tour was a successful one with packed auditoriums,` he says.

Ayushmann feels that Indians who live abroad like having an Indian connect, and cinema and cricket bring them closer to their country. `My performance was surprising for many. I have a different personality on stage. It is not subtle. I performed on the rock versions of some '90s songs. I created rock and dhol versions of 'Pani da' as well,` he adds.