Sperm donation, erectile dysfunction and late pregnancy are not subjects one would consider suitable for the making of mainstream cinema. And yet, Ayushmann Khurrana — with a fan base that cuts across single screen and multiplex- going audiences — sits on a pedestal sturdily built by films tackling these subjects. Evidently then, Khurrana is in a position to weigh in on the industry's perception of what must qualify as mainstream cinema. If he has it his way, he'd rather do away with any label that segregates movies.

"The way we have defined mainstream cinema is skewed and discriminatory. Every film has its set of audience. That's the beauty of cinema, it is subjective, and evokes an intimate and personal reaction. It entertains like-minded people," says the actor, asserting that the perception of a select few industry folks on what qualifies as a " pan- India" film must be less binding. "[people are quick to] judge films which [cater to a] different sensibility, and that's discriminatory. I have fought this discrimination and will continue to do so throughout my career. Thankfully, my choices have proved that there is an audience for every kind of film."