In a streak of continuous promotional activities, actor Aparshakti Khurana confesses he is repeatedly being asked to sing a rather peculiar lullaby whenever he makes a public appearance. The unexpected demand stems from his recent role in the film “Stree 2”. In one of the film’s hilarious sequences, his character Bittu serenades his lover with a quaint lullaby. “People are asking me to sing ‘Soft Chitti, warm Chitti’,” he jovially recounts, adding an infectious humor to the press junket.
“Stree 2”, a sequel to the 2018 horror comedy hit “Stree”, has burst into the box office scene with considerable success, to the delight of Khurana and his co-stars Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. “It’s amazing to witness such a victory of content,” says Khurana, proudly emphasizing the accomplishment. “Despite there being no big star in ‘Stree 2’, the audience believed it deserved their love, respect, and these numbers at the box office. This is truly a win for the creativity and dedication of our writer Niren Bhatt, director Amar Kaushik, the producers, and the talented cast. Being in a space where acceptance comes without any star value is a refreshing and encouraging experience.”
However, an online debate has emerged regarding who should be honored for the film’s success. Some viewers credit Rajkummar Rao, while others argue Shraddha Kapoor deserves the acclaim. In response to this debate, Khurana offers a grounded perspective. “Sometimes, things begin trending online without any concrete reason. Take, for example, the ‘Boycott Bollywood’ trend. Why boycott Bollywood? What did Bollywood do? I believe ‘Stree 2’ is a collective effort and belongs to everybody involved.”
One of the key highlights of the “Stree” franchise is the camaraderie between Bittu, Vicky (played by Rajkummar Rao), and Janaa (played by Abhishek Banerjee). Khurana explains that this friendship isn’t limited to the screen. The actor candidly shares how the bond with his co-stars was a crucial emotional support system for him while filming “Stree 2”, especially after the recent passing of his father, P.
. Khurana. “It was the first film I worked on after losing Papa. This was extremely challenging for me because I had a habit of calling him regularly to discuss my scripts and my experiences on set. Amar, Raj, Abhishek, and I are friends before collaborators. Raj and I even worked out to devotional songs during the shoot of ‘Stree 2,’ and that was a profoundly comforting experience.”
Towards the end of “Stree 2”, audiences were teased with hints of an upcoming project within the same horror-comedy universe, titled “Vampires of Vijay Nagar”. This new venture stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Aparshakti’s elder brother, raising fans’ anticipation for a potential crossover with the “Stree” movies. Such a crossover would mark the first-ever on-screen collaboration between the Khurana siblings, an event that Aparshakti is eagerly looking forward to. “I’m more than excited about the possibilities this opens up. For a long time, we have been searching for a script where Ayushmann and I can work together. Let’s see how and when we can bring this shared universe to life,” he enthuses.
Given the tremendous success of “Stree 2” and the franchise’s burgeoning universe, the potential for continued storytelling within this unique blend of horror and comedy seems bright. Fans have expressed their excitement and curiosity about what direction the filmmakers will take next. Whether it’s further exploration of the supernatural elements or the expansion of character relationships, the collaborative forces at play promise a rich and engaging cinematic experience.
Aparshakti Khurana’s readiness to team up with his brother Ayushmann underscores the enthusiasm shared by both actors to create something memorable for their audience. “It’s been a journey to find a perfect script that fits both of us,” he smiles, signaling his hopes for a successful collaboration in the horror-comedy crossover.
As fans and industry watchers wait eagerly to see what the future holds for the “Stree” universe, one thing remains clear: the focus on quality content and the spirit of collaborative creativity are what drive Aparshakti Khurana and his team, ensuring a sustained impact on the audience. Whether it’s through laughter, chills, or heartfelt moments, the continuing adventures of the characters in “Stree 2” and beyond are certainly something to watch out for.
