When Ayushmann Khurrana made his movie debut with Vicky Donor in 2012, his boy-next-door charms immediately impressed the audience. Especially when the audience heard him sing Paani Da Rang.

But long before Paani Da Rang hooked the attention of the audience, Ayushmann Khurrana had competed in the singing reality competition, Popstars. Yes, the same show that gave us Aasma and Viva.

While he didn’t make it to the show, he did win over the judge, singer Palash Sen. And recently, Palash Sen shared a photo from 2003, of him and Ayushmann on the sets of Popstars.
2003, a young boy wanted to be a singer in a show where I was the judge- Popstars. He didn’t win it but won my heart and my love forever. Today as his new film releases, he’s definitely India’s most loved and most talented actor. Ayush,Love you my bro. Proud of you. @ayushmannk pic.twitter.com/jgYwJQoPOr
— Dr. Palash Sen (@docpalash) June 12, 2020
Ayushmann was quick to respond to the message.
Wow. Whatta pic. Dada. Love you. Dhonyobaad 💛🙏🏻 https://t.co/ngETZbk6GH
— Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) June 12, 2020
People also took to Twitter to comment on the photo:
@docpalash @ayushmannk what a blast from the past. Churaliya Hain Tum Ne Jo Dil Ko was the song!
— Deepak Dhar (@deepak30000) June 12, 2020
Gold! Between ‘Paani Da’ and ‘Maeri’ you and @docpalash cover 99% of desi guitar parties.
— Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) June 12, 2020
This’s the proof…that all your hard works/struggles & efforts will be paid of eventually! @ayushmannk is an inspiration.
— Rajesh~DEV. (@iamrajeshjena) June 12, 2020
Awwww 💕 so cute 😇
— khushi (@khushi29540919) June 12, 2020
Wow ayush sir …. you look so adorable and ……. handsome too….
— Vinit Jain (@VinitJa66480667) June 12, 2020
What a great journey 😭❤️You are such an inspiration so proud of you🤗❤️❤️
— Ankita (@Ankita_2166) June 12, 2020
Thats a lot of hardwork, and a clear cut aim set at a very young age. Hope I can get a little determination power from you.
— Tanvir Rizvi (@TanveirRizvi) June 12, 2020
This is called Achievement. Duniya gayi bhaad me.🙏🙌💐
— Vivek Mishra🗨 (@artistviv_ek) June 12, 2020
Beautiful journey. I have memory of you as well watching you on Sunday noon IPL match .. you hosting and doing all the fun.
— Prabir Bhatt 🇮🇳 (@PrabirBhatt) June 12, 2020
Goes to show, hard work and determination will take you places.