'Dum Laga...' got me respect as an actor: Ayushmann Khurrana

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana says "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", which has been chosen as the Best Hindi Film at the 63rd National Film Awards, helped him in getting "respect and credibility" in the industry.

"I think I got the respect and credibility as an actor after 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' because in my first film 'Vicky Donor' I was playing myself, a Punjabi," Ayushmann told IANS.

The actor said he had to walk an extra mile for the Sharat Katariya-directed "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" as he had to change his persona for his character in the romantic comedy film.

"In 'Dum Laga Ke...' I had to change my dialect and body language. I have never stayed in Uttar Pradesh. Khari boli (dialect) was not that easy. It was not coming naturally to me and I was playing completely somebody else. So 'Dum Laga Ke...' got me respect as an actor," added the "Nautanki Saala!" actor.

Ayushmann, 31, says he is glad that the National Film Awards jury connected to the movie.

"The National Award is the most coveted and credible award. It is a film with a big heart and I am glad that it connected with the jury and people as well," he added.