Ayushmann Khurrana only Indian on TIME 100 Impact Award 2023

Mumbai: Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, the only Indian to be selected for the TIME100 Impact Awards in 2023, said on Wednesday that he is humbled by the recognition and that it will motivate him to push the boundaries of Indian content with his own brand of cinema.

With films like "Vicky Donor," "Dum Laga Ke Haisha," "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan," and "Bala," Khurrana is known for tackling a variety of social and taboo issues. In 2020, the US-based newspaper listed him among the 100 Most Influential People in the World.

“This is the second time that the prestigious TIME Magazine has chosen to recognise the work that I do on camera as well as off it. I’m proud as well as humbled with this honour from TIME Magazine because it validates my core belief system as an artiste and a human being trying to affect positive social change, PTI reported.

“I’m deeply grateful to TIME Magazine for bestowing me with the TIME100 Impact honour this year. I have and will always try to push the content envelope of India through my brand of cinema,” the “Dream Girl 2” star said in a statement.

In the title of his profile Khurrana, TIME magazine described the actor as “a Bollywood Star Like No Other”. He won the National Award for Best Actor for 2018’s “Andhadhun”.

“Khurrana has carefully curated a filmography that seamlessly switches between light-hearted commercial hits and films that critique the social mores of India’s conservative middle class.

“The risk-taking has seen the actor win several more accolades, including a prestigious National Film Award, administered by the Indian government. As his career has flourished over the years, Khurrana has also become passionate about using his platform on the silver screen to advocate for social issues,” the outlet stated.

Khurrana, who was appointed the National Ambassador by UNICEF India for ensuring the rights of every child, said he wants to use his work to make the country a better place.

“I shall also continue to work hard as the UNICEF Ambassador to aid as many children in need in my country. I want to make a difference through my craft and my actions so that the people too can join me in making this nation better for our future generations,” he added.

Previous Indians who received the TIME100 Impact Award include actors Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone.