I wanted to raise nationwide awareness on the taboo linked with the LGBTQ community: Ayushmaan Khurrana

Bollywood's National Award winning actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who has presented diverse roles throughout his career, will soon be playing the role of a gay man in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan,' The trailer of the film has got a positive response from the audience and the critics.

But talking about how the industry members reacted on knowing the offer he had received during the pitch, he said that many industry members he knew asked him to re-think the decision of playing a gay man. "A lot of people from the industry asked me to re-think this because no leading hero has ever portrayed a gay man on screen. But I knew, this stereotype needed to be shattered and the time to change it, is now. I somehow knew I had to do it and take the plunge. I have a free pass to do all things different and quirky and I wanted to raise nationwide awareness on the taboos linked with the LGBTQ community at large. I was sure that we have to make 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan' as a full family entertainer that brings a smile to people's faces, to spread the message of the film to as many people as possible across the country and I'm thrilled with how the movie has shaped up," Ayushmaan said.

 On being asked about his family's support, he said, "I'm what I'm because of my family. They have constantly been a massive support system for me and they have always enabled me in taking the biggest life decisions. When I decided to pursue a career in showbiz, they stood by me like a rock. When I decided that my brand of cinema will stand for taboo breaking subjects and characters like being a sperm donor in 'Vicky Donor', a man dealing with erectile dysfunction in 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan', someone who is prematurely balding in 'Bala', to now proudly playing a gay man in 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan', they told me to always back my instincts and never think of what society or my immediate community will say about me," Ayushamnn said on being asked about the support he received while bagging the role.

He further urged that he wants to see this film with his parents and relatives as it is a moment that truly defines him in Indian cinema. This would be a moment he wants to cherish with his entire family.