In Conversation With Young Heartthrob, Kartik Aryan

A rank outsider, Kartik Aaryan has finally found his feet in Bollywood. In a freewheeling chat, he tells Nikshubha Garg about his struggling days, female attention, directors on his wishlist, and more.

- Nikshubha Garg

He kick-started his career with Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011, but, by his own admission, wasn’t recognised despite box office success. The story didn’t change even after Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 went on to become a hit in 2015. However, the bright-eyed boy, who had come to the city of dreams from Gwalior, refused to give up. Finally, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety proved to be the game changer, and Kartik Aaryan was catapulted to the big league. We meet our love aaj kal for our cover shoot in Mumbai, and he gets straight to business. Quick, professional, and charming, Aaryan knows exactly what is expected of him, and showcases an impeccable ease while at it. Over to the star.

Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) changed the game for you, and Luka Chuppi propelled your popularity further. Did you become a ‘star’ overnight for the industry folk?

My life changed completely. I started receiving calls from the very people I was trying hard to reach. Post the release of SKTKS, the spotlight suddenly turned to me, and that’s when the industry started commenting that I had become an ‘overnight star’. But, I was around for eight years, patiently trying my luck, not being noticed. The good thing was that during the struggle period, I learned about the ‘business’ side of films. I realised that once I prove myself at the box office, the wheel will start churning. That’s what SKTKS did for me, after it crossed that coveted 100-crore mark. Soon after, Luka Chuppi tasted a similar success run, and with Pati Patni Aur Woh, I could cement my position. I now have options to choose from.

You are on the wishlist of several solid filmmakers today. Is success difficult to handle at times?