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Cracking The Code: My Journey to Bollywood
So you love the spotlight and drama of Bollywood and want to make it your life. But what is the right time to become a professional actor? What sort of hindrances are you likely to face as you make your way through the film and television industry? Where will this road take you? And, most importantly, how do you make it happen?
In Cracking the Code, Ayushmann Khurrana - actor, singer and television personality - tries to answer these questions and outlines a step-by-step guide to making it big in Tinseltown, drawing on his personal experiences as a rising star in Bollywood. Supported by anecdotes from his own life - his transition from a reality TV star to a distinctive voice on Big FM; from getting a break in soap operas to becoming the highest-paid host of reality shows on television; from dealing with failed auditions to finally landing the coveted lead role in the hit film Vicky Donor; and struggling to juggle his newfound success with his family life - Ayushmann identifies and shares the patterns he has noticed on the road to becoming a successful movie star.
In Cracking the Code, Ayushmann Khurrana - actor, singer and television personality - tries to answer these questions and outlines a step-by-step guide to making it big in Tinseltown, drawing on his personal experiences as a rising star in Bollywood. Supported by anecdotes from his own life - his transition from a reality TV star to a distinctive voice on Big FM; from getting a break in soap operas to becoming the highest-paid host of reality shows on television; from dealing with failed auditions to finally landing the coveted lead role in the hit film Vicky Donor; and struggling to juggle his newfound success with his family life - Ayushmann identifies and shares the patterns he has noticed on the road to becoming a successful movie star.
136 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2015
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1447 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
May 3, 2017
So last year I went to MICA, Ahemadabad, for my interview for admission. And they asked me that who was my role model. I said it's Ayushman Khuranna.
I am his HUGE fan and I am watching him since he came on Roadies Season-2.
My entire transition from teenage to adult life happened watching his shows.
I would say this books is PURELY for his fans.
MTV's Wassup, spoof movies : Jadu-ek-bar and Cheque de India, India's got talent, TV Serials, vicky donor, Just Dance. I have grown watching all with big heart and huge admiration for him.
This book was entirely familiar to me in terms of its events. I loved it.
Read only if you are his fan.
I am his HUGE fan and I am watching him since he came on Roadies Season-2.
My entire transition from teenage to adult life happened watching his shows.
I would say this books is PURELY for his fans.
MTV's Wassup, spoof movies : Jadu-ek-bar and Cheque de India, India's got talent, TV Serials, vicky donor, Just Dance. I have grown watching all with big heart and huge admiration for him.
This book was entirely familiar to me in terms of its events. I loved it.
Read only if you are his fan.
May 27, 2021
3.25 stars.
There's so much practical wisdom in here but there's no proper flow. He gets distracted easily while he's talking about something and meanders so much that it rather gets annoying after a while. But before you know it, the book is done with.
But I must say that I do admire Ayushmann Khurana, the story he has told, his acting abilities, and the way he handles his stardom. Just that his book could have done with a lot of structuring and editing before making its way out into the world. :/
There's so much practical wisdom in here but there's no proper flow. He gets distracted easily while he's talking about something and meanders so much that it rather gets annoying after a while. But before you know it, the book is done with.
But I must say that I do admire Ayushmann Khurana, the story he has told, his acting abilities, and the way he handles his stardom. Just that his book could have done with a lot of structuring and editing before making its way out into the world. :/
June 22, 2018
This is an autobiography by the Bollywood Actor, TV show host, VJ, singer Ayushmann Khurana which has been co-written by his wife Tahira Kashyap. It talks of his journey from being an outsider to making it big in Bollywood. Though the editing is sloppy, the book is an honest effort to encourage acting aspirants and code snippets for them so that they can succeed in life. Casually picked it up after admiring his acting in Dum Laga Ke Haisha and this felt like reading his interview
July 9, 2018
This short and crisp story is of 'the boy next door' who wanted to be an actor. Whenever I see his movies, I've always come back with a smile. With no background in Bollywood, a random small-towner, with his hard work, perseverance, and genuineness he paved his way to his dreams. I really enjoyed reading his accounts and the pattern he has woven through the book. We may know many of those things/codes but we forget to follow/apply them in our lives, and he's put them in a nice simple way through his own life.
December 9, 2016
Summary: A very propagandistic book. Although it's marketed as "being frank" and "honest" I felt that throughout the book there are lots of lies / parts where you feel he's lying.
Here are some examples:
* he says he's not sure why he won the Roadies. Perhaps they liked him for being himself or perhaps it's because all the attacks bounced off him. And later he says that he felt intimidated being around tall guys and people with perfect bodies. Really? You're okay with comments that are the most ferocious across Indian channels and you're intimidated by people with perfect bodies? Doesn't sound genuine.
* He says an embarassing moment for him was when participants were asked to strip to their underwear and wrestle with professional wrestlers. And then he goes on to add that he wasn't called-in for wrestling because no one had a problem with him. Really? Then why the hell did you bring it up? How was this embarassing? You came off with flying colors right.
* He talks about one guy who has been his mentor throughout the times but that guy's name isn't mentioned anywhere. After a while you get to know that that guy was the one having an "attacker" personality in the roadies. He was the one who decided who was allowed in the show and who was out. Besides this there's no other mention of him. As you read the book you start doubting whether this guy really was his mentor? If he was then how come he's not mentioned anywhere else? And how convenient that a mentor of his is the person who makes the final call for who's in show.
* He talks about taking whatever role life gives you, but all roles that are mentioned by him are of being "successful" already. Makes you doubt whether he really means what he says.
* Every incident that he recounts he comes off as a grand success or just somehow fits-in to what is acceptable socially. Being first at everything. And sometimes where he is not first he is still actually first in the end.
Apart from the being first in everything is the happy for everything, everyone is great around me. I can understand that he's an actor and maybe he has to be politically correct or he has to write in certain ways about other people if he wants to survive in the industry. But what I dislike is the way he's marketed the book as being "honest" when it's actually a very controlled image being set. It wasted my time because I picked up this book thinking that there'll be some learnings or I'll experience someone else's life. i did not. It was useless.
He tries to put in "learnings" or "code" which some people have highlighted publicly on the Kindle reader and then gives an example to support that code. I frequently found that the example doesn't really support that code. For example "take whatever life gives you" followed by how some military guy couldn't come into the movies but is now creating a theatre play with his wife. He also mentions the name of the play that his wife is creating now. Meanwhile Ayush himself is shooting as a hero in movies. "Take whatever life gives you" - how the hell did he conclude that from this?
The writing style is the only part of the book that really shines. Ayushmann's writing style is really simple, and he communicates his ideas clearly, fluently. Other than that this book sucks. Thanks for wasting my time.
Here are some examples:
* he says he's not sure why he won the Roadies. Perhaps they liked him for being himself or perhaps it's because all the attacks bounced off him. And later he says that he felt intimidated being around tall guys and people with perfect bodies. Really? You're okay with comments that are the most ferocious across Indian channels and you're intimidated by people with perfect bodies? Doesn't sound genuine.
* He says an embarassing moment for him was when participants were asked to strip to their underwear and wrestle with professional wrestlers. And then he goes on to add that he wasn't called-in for wrestling because no one had a problem with him. Really? Then why the hell did you bring it up? How was this embarassing? You came off with flying colors right.
* He talks about one guy who has been his mentor throughout the times but that guy's name isn't mentioned anywhere. After a while you get to know that that guy was the one having an "attacker" personality in the roadies. He was the one who decided who was allowed in the show and who was out. Besides this there's no other mention of him. As you read the book you start doubting whether this guy really was his mentor? If he was then how come he's not mentioned anywhere else? And how convenient that a mentor of his is the person who makes the final call for who's in show.
* He talks about taking whatever role life gives you, but all roles that are mentioned by him are of being "successful" already. Makes you doubt whether he really means what he says.
* Every incident that he recounts he comes off as a grand success or just somehow fits-in to what is acceptable socially. Being first at everything. And sometimes where he is not first he is still actually first in the end.
Apart from the being first in everything is the happy for everything, everyone is great around me. I can understand that he's an actor and maybe he has to be politically correct or he has to write in certain ways about other people if he wants to survive in the industry. But what I dislike is the way he's marketed the book as being "honest" when it's actually a very controlled image being set. It wasted my time because I picked up this book thinking that there'll be some learnings or I'll experience someone else's life. i did not. It was useless.
He tries to put in "learnings" or "code" which some people have highlighted publicly on the Kindle reader and then gives an example to support that code. I frequently found that the example doesn't really support that code. For example "take whatever life gives you" followed by how some military guy couldn't come into the movies but is now creating a theatre play with his wife. He also mentions the name of the play that his wife is creating now. Meanwhile Ayush himself is shooting as a hero in movies. "Take whatever life gives you" - how the hell did he conclude that from this?
The writing style is the only part of the book that really shines. Ayushmann's writing style is really simple, and he communicates his ideas clearly, fluently. Other than that this book sucks. Thanks for wasting my time.
August 8, 2016
A humble tinsel-town memoir - a bit self-deprecatory, a bit narcissistic.
March 28, 2020
3.5 Stars
I'm a huge fan of Ayushmann Khurrana and have been following him since his Roadies days. Through this book he talks about his journey on making it to tinseltown. I'd say, his story will inspire many aspiring actors.
I was put off by the sloppy editing and that might've ruined the otherwise good book.
I'm a huge fan of Ayushmann Khurrana and have been following him since his Roadies days. Through this book he talks about his journey on making it to tinseltown. I'd say, his story will inspire many aspiring actors.
I was put off by the sloppy editing and that might've ruined the otherwise good book.
December 22, 2023
Just wanted more, you know?
September 21, 2019
I have been reading really heavy stuff, wanted something light. Have always admired his acting in the movies, wanted to know his backstory as well. It's written well, and is a really quick read.
May 25, 2021
Reads like an earnest enough account, but isn't it too early in his career to be thinking of memoirs already? (most of his latter, better works aren't mentioned even)
September 19, 2020
I would have given it ⭐️ ⭐️ but added an extra ⭐️ for the love of Ayushman Khurana.
I was looking forward to reading this book as I’ve admired the author from whatever little I heard from him in public interviews.
Super quick read. The book claims to be a guide for people who want to make it in Bollywood and delivers on it. I was hoping it will have some more anecdotes with humor woven in as well while he shares his Bollywood story. Didn’t find that. His typical authentic and non chalant style stands out.
Disappointingly, the book has some very obvious typos throughout. I know it’s easy to critique but it shouldn’t be too hard to do a solid proof read before publishing and remove the typos 🤷🏻♀️
Some snippets from the book:
1. I like to think of myself as a goofy Sufi
2. I have learned a lot from my failures, and I am sure I wouldn’t have been half as sorted if I hadn’t. As the lines from Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘success is counted sweetest’ say: “Success is counted sweetest, by those who ne’er succeed. To comprehend a nectar requires sorest need”
3. Good cinema brings out the happy child inside me. I will do everything It takes to make my film a better one. No, I will not teach the director how to shoot a scene. I will just hope that my enthusiasm rubs off on everyone involved in making the film
4. ...(didn’t copy the exact lines) he mentioned that he preps (A LOT) for every single thing he does be it interview, scene, appearance, anchoring, hosting, etc very very diligently and that’s what sets him apart
5. A secret to cracking the code is to make your own Codes. One man’s medicine is another man’s poison. At a holistic level, the code remains the same - be truthful to yourself
I was looking forward to reading this book as I’ve admired the author from whatever little I heard from him in public interviews.
Super quick read. The book claims to be a guide for people who want to make it in Bollywood and delivers on it. I was hoping it will have some more anecdotes with humor woven in as well while he shares his Bollywood story. Didn’t find that. His typical authentic and non chalant style stands out.
Disappointingly, the book has some very obvious typos throughout. I know it’s easy to critique but it shouldn’t be too hard to do a solid proof read before publishing and remove the typos 🤷🏻♀️
Some snippets from the book:
1. I like to think of myself as a goofy Sufi
2. I have learned a lot from my failures, and I am sure I wouldn’t have been half as sorted if I hadn’t. As the lines from Emily Dickinson’s poem ‘success is counted sweetest’ say: “Success is counted sweetest, by those who ne’er succeed. To comprehend a nectar requires sorest need”
3. Good cinema brings out the happy child inside me. I will do everything It takes to make my film a better one. No, I will not teach the director how to shoot a scene. I will just hope that my enthusiasm rubs off on everyone involved in making the film
4. ...(didn’t copy the exact lines) he mentioned that he preps (A LOT) for every single thing he does be it interview, scene, appearance, anchoring, hosting, etc very very diligently and that’s what sets him apart
5. A secret to cracking the code is to make your own Codes. One man’s medicine is another man’s poison. At a holistic level, the code remains the same - be truthful to yourself
June 2, 2021
A mesmerizing blend of fun and philosophy, Cracking the Code, by Ayushmann Khurrana and co-authored by Tahira Kashyap, is a refreshing read.
The authors have penned down the journey of Ayushmann Khurrana from being a skinny, unattractive guy from small-town, Chandigarh, to Bollywood, his dream job. The process of becoming an actor started from his early childhood with his special act of Mera Joota Hai Japani. Later on the reality shows like Popstars and Roadies, that gave way for his life as a VJ. After that, he got momentum and continued to host various reality shows himself before finally making it to the big screen in Vicky Donor.
This is no book that can provide you with some techniques or suggestions to excel in your career or some tips for definite entry into Bollywood, rather it’s just the journey of Ayushmann. Yes, of course, there are always some takeaways that one can get from the experiences of others or a few tricks from someone else’s journey and you can find it in this book too.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
The authors have penned down the journey of Ayushmann Khurrana from being a skinny, unattractive guy from small-town, Chandigarh, to Bollywood, his dream job. The process of becoming an actor started from his early childhood with his special act of Mera Joota Hai Japani. Later on the reality shows like Popstars and Roadies, that gave way for his life as a VJ. After that, he got momentum and continued to host various reality shows himself before finally making it to the big screen in Vicky Donor.
This is no book that can provide you with some techniques or suggestions to excel in your career or some tips for definite entry into Bollywood, rather it’s just the journey of Ayushmann. Yes, of course, there are always some takeaways that one can get from the experiences of others or a few tricks from someone else’s journey and you can find it in this book too.
Read the full review on:
https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...
May 29, 2020
Cracking the Code: My Journey in Bollywood by Ayushmann Khurrana and Tahira Kashyap is about how Ayushmann turned his dream into reality through hard work and perseverance and finally became an actor. He was always passionate about acting from childhood. He started from theatre during college, then went for reality shows like Popstars (singing show) & Roadies 2 (winner), completed his education and moved to Mumbai, became RJ at BigFM, then VJ at MTv, started anchoring and finally acted in his first movie- Vicky Donor and currently he is a well known actor and singer too. On a personal front, he married Tahira (his girlfriend from college days) and their understanding is beautiful. Each stage in his life has taught him a Code, and cracking those Codes has made him achieve his dream! These Codes are quite practical, basically can be applied to a lot of professions. Overall a refreshing biography which shows that giving your best to everything that comes your way can actually help in reaching the right destination! The journey is what matters, so make the most of it!
July 30, 2018
#bookreview #crackingthecode
#ayushmann
Book 63 week 31
Cracking the code by Ayushmann Khurana
Rating: 3/5
A mildly interesting memoir by Ayushmann Khurana who shot to fame after his debut in Vicky Donor.
After reading Rishi Kapoor and Karan Johar's autobiographies, this one felt a little bland.
However, it is an honest and simple narrative of the journey of a nobody from a small town who made it decently big.
Started off well, meandered in the middle, ended fine. Had some gyaan, but thankfully not too much. Written in a very colloquial way.
However, the Kindle version had many grammatical or punctuation mistakes, and overall, the book could have been edited better. The language felt forced.
All in all, a short and sweet read, you can finish within an hour or so. Available on Kindle unlimited. Decent read but nothing you're missing our if you skip. 3/5 cuz I find him super cute :)
#ayushmann
Book 63 week 31
Cracking the code by Ayushmann Khurana
Rating: 3/5
A mildly interesting memoir by Ayushmann Khurana who shot to fame after his debut in Vicky Donor.
After reading Rishi Kapoor and Karan Johar's autobiographies, this one felt a little bland.
However, it is an honest and simple narrative of the journey of a nobody from a small town who made it decently big.
Started off well, meandered in the middle, ended fine. Had some gyaan, but thankfully not too much. Written in a very colloquial way.
However, the Kindle version had many grammatical or punctuation mistakes, and overall, the book could have been edited better. The language felt forced.
All in all, a short and sweet read, you can finish within an hour or so. Available on Kindle unlimited. Decent read but nothing you're missing our if you skip. 3/5 cuz I find him super cute :)
May 5, 2021
Cool read. Very poor writing, however it was nice to read about Ayushmann’s growth over the years. It confirmed my opinion that Ayushmann is like a firm tree.. sways no way towards success or failure but is deeply rooted in the present moment.
My only qualms are, why was this book written in 2015? Ayushmann had barely done a couple of films by then. It would be great had he published his journey in 2018 or 19 post Andhadhun followed by his National Award. He could then have taken assistance of a professional writer and planned it better. It’s a good book, but lacks in quality.
My only qualms are, why was this book written in 2015? Ayushmann had barely done a couple of films by then. It would be great had he published his journey in 2018 or 19 post Andhadhun followed by his National Award. He could then have taken assistance of a professional writer and planned it better. It’s a good book, but lacks in quality.
December 3, 2020
A gem of a book, written with youthful enthusiasm, and a rare wisdom and maturity. I really enjoyed reading about the codes Khurrana kept in mind. They provide great inspiration to youth, who sometimes really struggle to make sense of their lives. Im sure, if he had penned his autobiography later in life, it would have read differently. Im happy that he chose to write about his journey soon after cracking the codes.
Almost all of his codes are valuable. For me, the best takeaway was that: The gates to learning open only when the route to self-obsession is blocked.
Almost all of his codes are valuable. For me, the best takeaway was that: The gates to learning open only when the route to self-obsession is blocked.
April 29, 2021
A must read autobiography especially for Ayushmann fans. This book does expose some of the dirt in Bollywood though in a non aggressive manner. Those who have a dream of becoming an actor will get motivated for sure after reading this book.
January 25, 2019
Dear Sir Ayushmann,
Sorry to be quite judgmental, you've never suffer any bad luck or set back phase.
After laying down the book thoroughly i can say not a single incident of your touched and that i can have along.
I appreciate for as you've mentioned "Ultimate code is "Destiny".
"The bottom line is that success begets success and happiness begets happiness. There is no point holding a grudge over your peers’ success. Why not focus on how you could better your craft? Why not focus on making better career choices? As of this day, it has become a big, level playing field. We all are just as good or bad as our last outing, in the movies or in real life. The point is to be positive and optimistic. If you can be even half as energetic as Ranveer Singh, you are right on the right track!"
From my STUPID barometer, you are not up to the mark, funnily you are the one in my millions i'm jealous with.
Will curiously seek you in the movies further.
God bless you,
Gratitude.
Sorry to be quite judgmental, you've never suffer any bad luck or set back phase.
After laying down the book thoroughly i can say not a single incident of your touched and that i can have along.
I appreciate for as you've mentioned "Ultimate code is "Destiny".
"The bottom line is that success begets success and happiness begets happiness. There is no point holding a grudge over your peers’ success. Why not focus on how you could better your craft? Why not focus on making better career choices? As of this day, it has become a big, level playing field. We all are just as good or bad as our last outing, in the movies or in real life. The point is to be positive and optimistic. If you can be even half as energetic as Ranveer Singh, you are right on the right track!"
From my STUPID barometer, you are not up to the mark, funnily you are the one in my millions i'm jealous with.
Will curiously seek you in the movies further.
God bless you,
Gratitude.
December 27, 2016
Cracking the Code tells you "life's secret" which many people already know, and only difference that it is narrated from different perspective i.e. Bollywood, which I must admit is something fresh for me because before now I have never read anything related to the film industry.
The journey of Ayushmann Khurana is fun to read and informative as well but don't think for a moment that it is only for people who have a career in film industry. No matter what your professional background is the teachings of life are all same for each & everyone. So I'd say even if you don't have anything to gain sure as hell you don't have anything to lose.
Mind that you won't find anything scandalous or gossip stuff in this book, so better avoid if that's your target.
The journey of Ayushmann Khurana is fun to read and informative as well but don't think for a moment that it is only for people who have a career in film industry. No matter what your professional background is the teachings of life are all same for each & everyone. So I'd say even if you don't have anything to gain sure as hell you don't have anything to lose.
Mind that you won't find anything scandalous or gossip stuff in this book, so better avoid if that's your target.
November 27, 2018
Honest'mann' Ayushmann
Following him since 'Vicky Donor', this actor has been one celebrity I have failed to decode, being an outsider, how could he make it this large. And here it is. The code decoded by him. As honest as his on screen performances - Yes, performances and not mere 'acting'. The codes that string the memoirs are relatable. And so is the book. A must read for anyone and everyone, just for sake of one thing - once you learn being honest to yourself, everything else falls in place..
And that is the hidden code.
Thanks Ayushmann for writing this wonderful honest journey and Amazon for getting it on my device. !
Following him since 'Vicky Donor', this actor has been one celebrity I have failed to decode, being an outsider, how could he make it this large. And here it is. The code decoded by him. As honest as his on screen performances - Yes, performances and not mere 'acting'. The codes that string the memoirs are relatable. And so is the book. A must read for anyone and everyone, just for sake of one thing - once you learn being honest to yourself, everything else falls in place..
And that is the hidden code.
Thanks Ayushmann for writing this wonderful honest journey and Amazon for getting it on my device. !
November 6, 2016
From the time when Ayushmann was VJ at MTV , I was his admirer . I liked the way he carried himself on idiot box . Then he went on to silver screen and left his mark with films. So I decided to go for this book so read about his journey .
Well I liked the book , it was short and crisp . But it could have been presented in a better way . Some codes were good and could help one.
Ayushmann Bhava
Well I liked the book , it was short and crisp . But it could have been presented in a better way . Some codes were good and could help one.
Ayushmann Bhava
September 16, 2018
It's always a joy to read up about an artiste you really like and admire. What I really liked the most about this is the codes that Ayushmann has shared from his own experiences. It's truly said, you don't get to make all mistakes by yourself..for some you have to learn from other's mistakes and experiences.. some codes easily assimilate in your life and gets you out of a tricky situation.
March 20, 2016
It was a fun read! I have to confess that this was the one book I bought because I thought the author was really goodlooking and I wanted his autograph but the book surprised me and I ended up enjoying the book!
June 13, 2019
A great down to earth account of the actor's life with an interesting and engaging story. Not to mention the helpful and guiding codes spilled throughout the book that apply to everyone and not just wannabe actors.
Worth a read.
Worth a read.
July 3, 2019
Cracking the code is Ayushmann's journey to bollywood. His journey from being outsider to make it big hit in bollywood. His struggles, his learnings,his failure and success he calls all his situation as "CODE". Loved some of his honest confessions.
July 16, 2024
Detailed Review here https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/crackin...
December 12, 2015
I bought this book because I always wanted to read an autobiography of someone. And there he is!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was delightful and a quick read.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It was delightful and a quick read.
April 6, 2016
An honest autobiography. Lots of positive energy.
February 22, 2017
It's supposed to be a guide for aspiring actors so can't say how useful it is but as a book it's not much of a story and the writing is like that of a high school essay...underwhelming
November 1, 2018
An inspiring book .
It's pure magic when an ordinary looking guy like Ayushmaan becomes a star.. His latest movies are money spinners and prove that the man has cracked the code.
It's pure magic when an ordinary looking guy like Ayushmaan becomes a star.. His latest movies are money spinners and prove that the man has cracked the code.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews