Ayushmann Khurrana Wins 'Future Leader for One ASIA' at Unforgettable Gala

At the Unforgettable Gala this year, which marked its 22nd edition, the title of ‘Future Leader for One ASIA’ was won by Bollywood's Ayushmann Khurrana, marking him the only Indian to be honored with this title this year. The Unforgettable Gala remembers Asian and Pacific Islander celebrities, influencers and leaders who have made notable contributions in arts, entertainment and culture. It is a gala event that every year brings together more than 500 high-profile names and API professionals to the Beverly Hilton for a magical night capped with recognition of all that was accomplished the previous year.

Other award recipients at the 22nd Unforgettable Gala alongside Ayushmann Khurrana include Chinese American actress Joan Chen, an Oscar Academy Awards judge whose works have earned nine Oscars for Best Actor in a Film, and globally renowned actor Hiroyuki Sanada, famed for his roles in Shogun and the John Wick franchise.

Thanking the jury and the team through a video message, Ayushmann Khurrana stated, “Celebrating India, its stories, its culture and its people make me thrive as a creative artist. I always wanted to be known as an actor who showed a world a side to India that not many have seen, tell stories that are not often told, and champion people and causes that are often brushed under the carpet. Vicky Donor, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhaan, Article 15, Badhaai Ho, Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Bala, etc are films that have been consciously chosen by me in a bid to do my bit as an actor to affect positive social change. I’m delighted that these stories have been loved by you and the world over.”

He further added, “I would like to take this moment to thank Character Media and Asia Labs for creating a platform like the Unforgettable Gala that recognizes the importance of South Asian representation on a global level, and even celebrates that. Art and cinema are no longer restrictive to the country they are from or the language they are in. The power of cinema can resonate with everyone. It cuts across geographies, cultures and languages and unites us in a moment in time. I’m proud that Indian cinema is doing that. This award goes out to all South Asian and Indian storytellers and artistes, who are swimming against the tide, who dare to dream. Let’s tell the world how beautiful India is.”

Ayushmann Khurrana has created a niche for himself while being famous for his unusual roles, and cementing his reputation as the superhit versatile actor of this generation. Reinventing professionalism in acting and singing, his other ventures hardly go unnoticed, prompted by his association with brands and social campaigns, which he undertakes through UNICEF as a National Ambassador, an effort that has garnered global acclaim.