Don’t be surprised if you see Ayushmaan Khurrana’s name in the credits as an AD (assistant director) for Shoojit Sircar’s Madras Café. The actor is flying to Kochi on December 20 to join the crew for five days.
 
In fact, only a few days ago, he spent five days on the sets. “I’ve never been idle on a film set. I enjoy watching actors perform and the director’s involvement in a scene,” says Ayushmann, who also worked as the fourth AD for a few days on Vicky Donor.

“When I started shooting my first film, I turned up late for two consecutive days. On the second day, Shoojit (director) told me, ‘Tera shot raat ko aayega.’ So, in the meantime, I became the fourth AD and took care of props and other small tasks,” he says.

In the process, it seems, Ayushmann started enjoying himself. “In fact, I told Shoojit, ‘If people don’t like me in Vicky Donor, you have to take me on as the fourth AD. But thank God, the film worked and I have got more offers. Then one day, Shoojit called up and said, ‘You don’t have time to turn up on the sets now?’ That’s when I decided to go on the Madras Café sets.”

Is he hinting at turning director? Ayushmann says, “I should become a better actor first and also learn how to sing better.”