Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has earned international recognition today as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences formally invited him to join its ranks, acknowledging his bold and socially relevant contributions to Indian cinema. The announcement was made on June 26, in a roster that also included celebrated artists like Kamal Haasan and Ariana Grande .

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed enthusiasm over welcoming a diverse new class of global talent. They emphasised that these invitees—spanning filmmakers, technologists, and artists—enhance the Academy’s mission to foster inclusion on a worldwide scale . Their invitation marks Khurrana’s introduction into the select community of Oscar voters, significantly boosting India’s voice in the global film fraternity.

Ayushmann Khurrana has carved out a unique space in Bollywood through his choice of unconventional yet impactful roles. His filmography includes acclaimed titles such as Vicky Donor, Andhadhun, Badhaai Ho, Article 15, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan .These films have addressed sensitive themes—infertility, sexuality, morality, family dynamics—while maintaining mainstream appeal, earning him honours like the TIME100 Impact Award (2023) and a UNICEF India ambassadorship .

Critics frequently laud Khurrana’s nuanced acting; Time magazine even described him as “a Bollywood star like no other,” highlighting his dedication to taboo-shattering portrayals.

• Diverse Academy Roster: Alongside other Indian artists like Kamal Haasan, his inclusion reflects a conscious move by the Academy to represent non-Western cinema and elevate South Asian narratives.

• Recognition of Content-Centric Cinema: This move underscores the evolving importance of content-driven storytelling in global cinema, mirroring Khurrana’s career trajectory.

• India’s Growing Hollywood Presence: His invitation is a milestone in India’s ongoing integration into global cinematic cultures, following pathbreakers like Slumdog Millionaire and RRR.

If Khurrana accepts, he will contribute as a voting member for the 2026 Oscars, joining over 10,000 voting peers worldwide .His inclusion could pave the way for more Indian and global recognition of Hindi-language films in prestigious award circles.

The Academy’s invitation is not just an individual accolade for Ayushmann Khurrana—it’s a tribute to Indian cinema’s expanding global footprint. From breaking taboos to winning hearts, Khurrana’s journey exemplifies the power of bold storytelling. As he joins the Oscar-voting ranks, his voice may help reshape how Indian films engage with and influence global narratives.