VJ-anchor Ayushmann's film debut as sperm donor

Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) After Ranvir Shorey, Purab Kohli and Ranvijay Singh, it is time for another VJ to rock the cinema world. Active as a television anchor and VJ, Ayushmann Khurrana will now be seen on the big screen in Shoorjit Sircar's quirkily titled film, 'Vicky Donor'.

Ayushman plays a Punjabi cricket player-sperm donor in love with a Bengali girl, to be played by television actress Yami Gautam, known from the soaps 'Chand Ke Paar Chalo' and 'Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam'.

'Vicky Donor' is not a serious take on the subject of sperm donation. I want to take a light-hearted look at the taboo attached to infertility and artificial insemination,' says director Sircar.

Sircar has been researching the subject for the past three years.

Ayushmann was chosen because of his popularity among the younger crowd.

The 'Roadies' winner who's been anchoring several musical shows on television, has been meeting medical experts to study the subject of sperm donation. One of the top consultants in the field has been taken on board as the medical adviser for 'Vicky Donor'.

Says the director: 'Ayushmann and I have been meeting doctors and donors from Mumbai and Delhi since 2009. Ayushmann has an immediate connect with the younger generation. For the part of Vicky, I wanted a face that was easily identifiable and yet unexposed in cinema.'

Ayushmann says he has been studying acting.

'I attended theatre workshops with professor N.K Sharma in Delhi to get that 'Dilliwala' feel. It wasn't difficult since I am from the north,' he says.

Ayushmann claims to have turned down three films in favour of 'Vicky Donor', because of the 'unique subject and the director's credibility'.