Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; July 29, 2019)

There’s more to Kartik Aaryan than his boyish good looks, cherubic smile and trademark floppy hair. The resounding success of Pyaar Ka Punchnama series, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Luka Chuppi, where he was seen as a ‘bromantic’ hero, who was also the voice of single men, is a testament to his acting potential. His upcoming movie line-up will see him in an array of roles with some of the best filmmakers in town. Be it Imtiaz Ali’s next with Sara Ali Khan, Dostana 2 with Janhvi Kapoor and Pati Patni Aur Woh remake with Ananya Panday and Bhumi Pednekar, Kartik has his hands full. The actor talks to BT about what lies ahead and more. Excerpts:

While you rose to stardom as the monologue boy, thanks to Pyaar Ka Punchnama, in every film post that you have been surprising us with a different version of your screen image. Has that been a conscious effort?
Yes, I am doing roles that are different on purpose. I am a fan of commercial entertainers, so my movies are more likely to be in the commercial space, but the priority is for them to have a connect with the audience. There has to be that relatability factor. Whether it is an urban, rural, glamorous or unglamorous character, it needs to be relatable. People need to find themselves in those characters. What I did in Sonu... was drastically different from Guddu in Luka Chuppi or what I will do in Pati, Patni Aur Woh as Chintu Tyagi. The physicality of the role can be different, but deep down the role needs to be relatable.

What was it like to work in an Imtiaz Ali love story? He is one of the finest storytellers. Also, tell us something about Dostana 2.
Working with Imtiaz sir changed me as an actor and also as a person. He is one of my most favourite directors and thanks to him my approach towards acting is different today. It has given me a different perspective. The way I look at a character now, it’s more real. I feel more connected with myself and what I want. I have more or less done romcoms before, but this is something I have never done before, and I got the opportunity to showcase my range as an actor in this film. I am also thrilled to be in Dostana 2, and it is all the more special as it is my first association with Dharma Productions. I am a huge fan of the first one, so I am excited to be a part of the sequel.

You are one of the most popular young actors today, but you’ve faced your share of hardships before you made a mark for yourself in Bollywood. Are you happy that your hard work has finally paid off?
After so many ups and downs, I finally feel like I am on the right track. The struggle is neverending for any individual. Initially, the struggle was to find a way into the industry, and now, the struggle is to sustain every Friday. So, in that sense, the struggle will go on. I am also learning to strike a balance between my private and professional life. This is just the beginning. I want to be at the top of my game.

You are working with Imtiaz Ali, and Ranbir Kapoor (who has worked with Imtiaz in Rockstar and Tamasha) is working with Luv Ranjan (who has directed Kartik in four films). That’s an interesting swap...
It did cross my mind. It’s an interesting time for all of us actors. I would definitely love to work with Luv sir again.

What was it like to work with Sara Ali Khan?
Sara is a star and a person with a heart of gold. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She has a certain positive energy that she brings to the screen and I would love to work with her again and again.

The way you style your hair has been your USP, and something that has been a constant in all of your films. What if your role demands you to change your look drastically or go bald? Would you do it?
I always get compliments for my hair and I need to thank my genes for it (laughs!). It feels good to see that people are following my hairstyle. Also, it’s unbelievable that on social media there are hashtags such as #HairLikeKartikAaryan and #PoseLikeKartikAaryan, which are quite popular. Nobody believes me when I say this, but I can get rid of my hair in a second if a role demands me to do that. The character I play has always been my priority, not the way I look. I have never been conscious of my looks. I am not the type who feels that I have to look hot or muscular in every film. I have always played the normal, guy-next-door characters, because that’s how people are in real life.

What do you make of the massive female fan following that you enjoy? You are also quite a brand magnet these days.
I am still the same guy I used to be, but I won’t deny that I am really happy with all the attention I have been getting. I am in a good space, and I am enjoying it. It has opened up the brand world for me. When you are approached to endorse multiple brands, you know that they have faith in you and that boosts your confidence as an actor.

Memes on your photos have been quite a rage. Do they amuse you?
I love social media, especially Instagram. I love witty posts. Some memes on me are really hilarious, and honestly, I don’t mind sharing them on social media myself. They are clever and people who come up with that have a good sense of humour. ‘Kartik looks at you like he’s not sure if he’s seen you before’ meme or Chintu Tyagi in a government job vs private job memes were funny. Last year, was a ‘memeful’ year for me.