Kartik Aaryan is the great new hope of the industry today, what with top banners vying to get his signature on the dotted line. His signing amount has reached astronomical figures, though he neither confirms not denies this news, saying that he isn’t defined by his fees. But in an industry where nothing succeeds like excess, you have to flaunt your achievements because no one else will. Kartik looks like a sure bet right now and he insists he’s no one-trick pony. He has trained himself for the long course and loves the challenge. Behind all his street smarts and the hunger of an outsider, he still remains the Gwalior lad who came to Mumbai with big dreams. He’s still in awe of cinema, of making people fall in love with stories. And that’s good because magic needs a certain belief for it to work. Excerpts from a freewheeling interview: 

You earned your degree after 10 years. Do you want to recall what college was like? What kind of student were you?
 
Choosing D.Y. Patil college was my way of staying close to Mumbai and pursuing auditions while studying. Coming from Gwalior, I wouldn’t have had a reason to move here otherwise. My parents might not have allowed it. But I did study and enjoy my time there. Though mostly, I was going for auditions.

Since you are a star, they held a special convocation ceremony for you.  

What happened was that Vijay Patil sir, the owner of D.Y. Patil College, said, “My students will be so inspired by the kind of hard work you’ve done. It’s not just about being in the field of medicine, biotechnology, or engineering. It’s about inspiring people. So, I want you to be here. I want this to happen so that they work towards their dreams and goals.” I was really happy with that idea.

Both your parents were doctors. What was life in Gwalior like back then?  

My younger sister is also pursuing a career in medicine. Growing up, my parents hoped I would become a doctor or an engineer. I used to prepare for exams like PMT and AIEEE. Our family faced financial struggles because my parents were working to set up their clinic while dealing with debt. Being a doctor in a small city doesn’t bring the wealth people often associate with the profession. Despite the challenges, we were happy, and I’m really proud of my parents’ journey and how they gradually built their practice.

How did you convince your parents to let you move to Mumbai?  

When I first moved to Mumbai, my parents thought I was just studying B.Tech in Navi Mumbai, unaware that I was secretly auditioning. For over two years, I searched for casting calls on Facebook, as there were no WhatsApp groups or easy access to auditions back then. Rejections were common, especially without industry connections. One day, I came across a post from the Pyaar Ka Punchnama team, sent them a portfolio made from cropped group photos and boldly wrote, “I’m the guy you’re looking for.” That got their attention. Though initially rejected, they saw potential and called me back, marking the start of my journey.

What would you call your breakthrough moment as an actor?  

Pyaar Ka Punchnama was my debut, but Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety was the real game-changer. Before that, I was just “the guy with the long monologues,” but after Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, people started recognizing ‘Kartik.’ Another major breakthrough was Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. When it was announced, there was scepticism but I believed in the script. It connected with the audience and proved how unpredictable the industry can be. Along with Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, it became one of the biggest milestones of my career.

What would you tell your younger self today if you were given the chance?  

I used to be impatient, constantly questioning why things weren’t working out. After my first film, setbacks with my second and third made me feel stuck. I overthought a lot but looking back, I have no regrets. Coming from nothing to where I am today makes me proud. If I had to start over, I’d do it the same way. I once stood outside Mannat, hoping to see Shah Rukh sir and admired Amitabh sir from a distance. Now, being part of the same industry is a journey I’ll always cherish.

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You mentioned Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. What kind of conversations do you have with them when you meet personally? Have they given you any advice?  

Shah Rukh Khan is incredibly warm and kind. Whenever I meet him, he always discusses my films that he has watched. For instance, after the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, when we met during an event, he personally called me over to compliment the film, mentioning how much he enjoyed it. His willingness to genuinely congratulate and appreciate others is truly admirable and reflects his gracious nature.

Shah Rukh told me that you have to be a good human being to be a good actor. Do you agree with that?  

To excel in acting, you must fully experience and express your emotions, as it is an emotive art. Without truly feeling emotions, it becomes challenging to authentically portray them on camera. I believe being an emotional person is essential to becoming a good actor. Moreover, embracing these emotions not only enhances your craft but also makes you a better human being.

Do you congratulate your colleagues when you like their work?  

I do but I am a little shy when it comes to messaging, especially when I don’t have a personal connection with them. But I always try to do it when I meet them in person.

Is there anything in the past that you’ve seen and reached out to a colleague about?  

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Vijay Sethupathi. I wouldn’t call him a colleague, but we crossed paths. For instance, during my visit to Chennai, I really enjoyed his film Maharaja and couldn’t help but praise his work when I met him. This is just one example. In the industry, it’s common for people to share their thoughts on each other’s work. I think that’s a positive practice. I reciprocate this whenever I can, though I’m mindful not to overstep or intrude into someone’s personal space.

Has any of your current colleagues reached out to you when they liked a performance of yours?  

Ranbir (Kapoor) congratulated me on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. I find it a bit odd to mention who congratulated me. I’ve also congratulated Ranbir on his films, like Rockstar, whenever we’ve met. At the time, he was working on a film with Luv Ranjan sir, so we had those conversations. It feels unfair to name who congratulated me, as those moments feel more private and personal. That said, I do reciprocate such gestures.

You also entered the industry at a time when the nepotism debate was at its peak. What is your personal take on it?
 
Nepotism exists across many industries, including the film industry. I acknowledge its presence without wanting to single anyone out or assign blame. Everyone has their own journey and if I had been born into an industry family, I might have benefited from such connections too. It’s not their fault. However, I’ve missed out on opportunities, especially the chance to work with top-tier directors and big names who come from massive, high-budget projects. This uneven playing field makes it difficult to fairly judge an actor’s trajectory. But I’ve made my peace with it.

What kind of mistakes do you feel you’ve made?  

As an actor, I often reflect on my performances and feel I could have done better in certain scenes or films. However, when it comes to saying no to projects, I’ve never regretted those decisions. I believe my “no’s” have shaped my career more than my “yes’s.” By turning down roles that didn’t feel right, I avoided situations where I might not have done justice to the character or the film.

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We live in the world of social media, where actors often wear many masks. So, who is the real Kartik Aaryan?
 
There’s always a filter, but in my journey, I’ve mostly stayed true to who I am. The way I speak to you is how I speak in real life. I strive to be authentic. I’m not perfect; I have flaws. I overthink, which often stresses me out and when I’m stressed, I tend to eat a lot. Overthinking is a big part of who I am and it affects me deeply.

You’ve worked with many fine actors. Is there someone who’s left an impact on you, and something they said?  

Vidya Balan had a profound impact on me, not just through her acting but also through her real-life persona. Her ability to create a warm, joyful atmosphere on set was remarkable. Everyone felt at ease around her. Working with her on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was an incredible experience; it felt like we were college friends, sharing a carefree and fun connection. She truly left a lasting impression on me.

Recently, there was a story that you’re charging 50 crores for a film. These stories give a sense that the PR game is on point…  

Am I the only actor who has received such a price? Nobody writes about others. Everyone writes about me…

…So, your PR doesn’t have anything to do with such stories?  
The thing is, I don’t have a spokesperson. I don’t have a family here. I don’t have my uncle, or my dad or my sister or my girlfriend spreading positivity about me in the articles or in the industry. This news is coming from somewhere else. It’s not necessary that this is needed. I don’t need this to prove anything. There are some who get irked by the fact that people make it on their own. And they try to make stories about that person a lot more.

Could you give me an example of the battles you’ve had to face?  

My biggest achievement has been establishing my name in the audience’s hearts. As an outsider, getting recognised is a challenge—unlike those with established backgrounds, I had to earn everything. It took me 7–8 years to land a proper endorsement after Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Success isn’t instant. From Pyaar Ka Punchnama to Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Chandu Champion, my journey has been built on merit, not privilege. When Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was announced, there was doubt, but it became a franchise, yet no one talks about the ones that fail. Standalone hits like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh worked because of the efforts involved. If I don’t protect my hard-earned success, no one else will. I know my journey and I’ll keep building on it.

You were linked with Janhvi Kapoor. You were linked with Sara Ali Khan. And then suddenly everything went quiet. Are you dating or not?

I’m currently single and not dating. In the past, there was a lot of speculation about my dating life, some true, some not. At the time, I was new to the idea of people linking me romantically with others and didn’t pay much attention to it. The media would often spin stories from a single photo, even if I’d just met someone. It felt surreal and I’d even get updates about my own dating life. Over time, I realised I needed to be more careful in how I handled such situations.

What are the do’s and don’ts in a relationship? Like, what have you learnt from your previous experiences? Would you date an actor?  

I would consider dating an actor because they understand the profession. It’s crucial to prioritise time for each other despite busy schedules. Actors are often on the move, and relationships can be unpredictable, with partners potentially ending up in different parts of the world. Mutual respect… or each other and our careers is essential, as is carving out time together and offering support in such a demanding field.

Would you be insecure if your partner were more successful?  

If my partner were more successful, I’d genuinely be happy for them, even if I felt a bit disappointed in myself for not being as successful. My happiness for them would outweigh any personal doubts, and I’d wholeheartedly support them. Growing up, my family celebrated each other’s achievements. My mom and sister, both hardworking role models, taught me to value and uplift success. I’d naturally celebrate my partner’s accomplishments, sharing their joy and success.

How much say do you have in the choice of the heroine in a film?  

The decision is ultimately made by the director and the producer. My approach is guided by my instincts regarding the script. I’m not influenced by who else might be cast. From what I understand, they see me fitting a specific role, and I’m here to fulfil that role. I’m the one being hired, not the one doing the hiring. It’s not really an actor’s decision to make.

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