There is a sense of contentment in Ayushmann Khurrana's voice. Ask him if it is owing to the recent National Award win or his upcoming film Dream Girl, and he attributes it to the joy he derives from being a genre-breaker. "I am able to find courage in telling stories more radically. After Article 15, I have plenty elbow room to display my range. So far, I have been known for the middle-of-the-road films, but Dream Girl is a full-blown masala film. I have performed it on the front foot," enthuses Khurrana.

Even as he describes the Raaj Shaandilyaa-directed movie as an "ode to the '90s brand of comedy", the actor cautions that it is, by no means, a frivolous film. "There is a strong message about gender fluidity hidden amidst the slapstick fun," he asserts, referring to the film's central idea that sees his character mimic a woman's voice to hilarious results. "Growing up in the '90s, I have thoroughly enjoyed Govinda's movies, and Dream Girl is our ode to those comedies. We have evolved as a society and as an industry, and thus the film is important to remind us of the movies that brought us unadulterated joy."