Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; August 8, 2018)

The new heartthrob on the block, Kartik Aaryan talks about his life post the success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, his upcoming films, youth connect and more...

Suddenly, you have become the new ‘heartthrob’ of Bollywood. How does it feel?
If fans consider me a heartthrob, I think it has more to do with the kind of characters that I have played. Who doesn’t like to be loved and appreciated? I am enjoying all the attention.

You have some interesting projects lined up like Luka Chuppi and the Kannada hit Kirik Party’s Hindi remake. Tell us about it...
I am taking one step at a time. I wanted to do something that was content-driven as well as commercially entertaining post Sonu… and Luka Chuppi (with Kriti Sanon) is that film. It’s a great script, which is in the desi romcom space, and my character is very relatable and earnest. I am very excited about the Hindi remake of Kirik Party. The audience will see me do something different, and I will start prepping for it once I complete Luka Chuppi.

So, no more girl-bashing movies, then?
My characters have never waged a war against any gender. They are all about friendship and being loyal to your friends.

You are currently shooting for Luka Chuppi in your hometown, Gwalior. Years ago, you had left the city to pursue your dreams in Bollywood. How does it feel to shoot for a movie there?
Life has come full circle. I started dreaming about being an actor in Gwalior and it feels amazing to shoot in my hometown. My mom brings me ghar ka khaana on the set every single day and that’s the best part about it. Years ago, I would often visit this location with my parents on a scooter. When I revisited the same place recently for the shoot of the film, people had gathered in huge numbers to meet my parents and me. That was overwhelming.

Your life seems to have changed suddenly post Sonu… but success comes at a price, doesn’t it?
Of course, it comes at a price and in my case, it has taken a lot of time and patience. Talking about sudden success, it took me seven years to be recognised. The journey hasn’t been easy. A lot of work, both physical and emotional, went into it. I never had a launch pad, as I came from a small town and didn’t know anyone who could guide me. I had no strategy whatsoever. Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011) and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015) were commercial hits, but it was only post Sonu... that I experienced stardom. Looking back, it’s been a long wait, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What does your brush with stardom feel like?
It’s an adrenaline rush. I won’t shy away from saying that I love being asked for selfies. I am a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan sir, so I also know what it feels like to be a fan. I used to be that guy, who stood outside his home in Bandra to get a glimpse of him. As a small-town boy, it feels surreal to be a Bollywood film hero, today.

A successful film opens many doors. Several brands are now keen to sign you on as their face...
I feel I have a youth connect and a certain reliability factor, which has enabled that.

With so much changing around you, what keeps you grounded?
Things do change. People start believing in you once you have a hit film. Luckily, I have seen failure much early in my career and that helps. I know it’s just a question of one Friday. Success and failure are temporary, talent is permanent. Also, my mom keeps me grounded. She is my biggest critic (smiles).

You have predominantly worked with Luv Ranjan. Who’s on your wish list, next?
I’d love to work with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar and Anurag Basu.