Ayushmann Khurrana talks about his latest single, O Heeriye, his upcoming movies and why he thinks he is a better actor than a singer

You have just released a music single, O Heeriye. Shekhar Ravjiani (of Vishal-Shekhar fame) too has cut a single. Are singles, and not albums, the trend nowadays?
This trend is followed internationally. Artistes cut singles instead of albums. Also, personally, it would have been cumbersome for me to dedicate time for an entire music album as I'm also shooting for Yash Raj Films' Bewakoofian.

But my next film will release next year. As I had this gap, I released O Heeriye. Rochak Kohli and I have created a genre of soft Punjabi rock and this song is an extension of that genre.


So you think music singles have a market?
There is no market for independent music, be it singles or albums; the only medium for them is digital and online i.e. Youtube and iTunes. It's a challenge to promote an independent song not related to a film narrative. In India, people consume music visually. So we have made a sweet video. YRF liked the single and made a good video, directed by Ashima Chibber.

Do you think you have a versatile voice?
I have a certain texture but I am more versatile as an actor than a singer.

Your single has an interesting tag line: 'However messy it is, always stay in love.'
I think there is no love without mess. If it is just 24/7 love without arguments or conflicts of interest, I think it is not real life. Messy is really important in a relationship -- you fall in love even more after a fight.


Is your marriage messy?
There are ups and downs in every relationship. But finally love rules.

You are based in Mumbai while your wife Tahira stays in Chandigarh. What are the challenges of a long-distance relationship?
I am used to this relationship. Even when we were not married and I was a radio presenter in Delhi, she was staying in Jalandhar.

Now she stays in Chandigarh, but she travels with me. I am in Chandigarh five days a month while she is in Mumbai for five days a month so every month we are together for 10 days.

What are your forthcoming films?
In YRF's Bewakoofian I play a Delhi-based corporate guy hit by recession. I'm also teaming up with Shoojit Sircar for Hamara Bajaj.