Ayushmann learns Bengali for 'Meri Pyari Bindu'

Ayush learns Bangla

Is getting tutored in the language for his next film by two teachers

Upala KBR upala.kbr@dnaindia.net

Ayushmann Khurrana plays an urbane Bengali gentleman from Kolkata in Akshay Roy's debut directorial, Meri Pyari Bindu, with Parineeti Chopra. He is taking lessons in Bengali and is being tutored by two teachers to get familiar with the language and its nuances.

Two-fold approach

Set in Kolkata, MPB is the story of an aspiring singer and her love for Ayushmann's character, who belongs to Bengal's genteel class, known as bhadralok. Ayushmann is playing a Bengali for the first time, so he's sparing no effort to make sure that he becomes fluent in the language before he begins shooting this month in Kolkata. Says a source, "He has two Bengali teachers " Professor Mitra from Delhi and actor Shamoun Ahmed from Calcutta. The idea was not just to have a tutor to help Ayush just learn the language, but also be in sync with West Bengal's culture too. Thus, understanding the mindset of the young people of Kolkata, which is what Shamoun is helping him do."

But, first...

Ayushmann confirms, "Yes, I am learning to speak the laguage. I won't be a typical Bengali babu, but pretty much an urban lad with cosmopolitan friends. I have been to Kolkata many times." But his Bengali lessons are on hold for the actor as he's currently in Australia performing for shows. "I will be singing my singles there. Australia was uncharted territory for me and I really wanted to go there as there is a great Indian diaspora who stays there, specially Punjabis, for whom I wanted to perform. I have performed in the UK before and will be going to the USA later this year, so I wanted to explore Australia this time."

And then...

After the shoot of Meri Pyari Bindu is completed, the actor will begin shooting for Manmarziyaan in August. Initially directed by Sameer Sharma, the film has changed hands after differences erupted between producer Aanand L Rai and Sameer. Ayushmann confirms, "Now the director has changed and the film has a new vision. Manmarziyaan is being directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, whose last release Nil Battey Sannata got rave reviews. I am really excited to work with Ashwini."