We find ourselves repeating what we hear in a bid to ascertain that we weren’t mistaken while digging up details about Kartik Aaryan’s fitness parameters. His trainer repeats himself. “That’s right. It was 39,” says Tridev Pandey of Aaryan’s fat percentage. In a bid to comprehend the commendable physical transformation that Aaryan brought about, those unfamiliar with the science of fitness would benefit from knowing that typically, this value would be classified as obese.

“When we started training, he had only concluded filming Freddy, and was 90 kilos. We did our fitness analysis on day one, and he couldn’t perform a single full-range push-up. He couldn’t execute a pull-up either,” says Pandey, a national-level boxer who had been roped in to help Aryan learn the art of boxing for Chandu Champion, the actor’s next based on India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar.

Pandey was told that his task for Kabir Khan’s film was two-fold. “I was told that this would be the first time that he would flaunt his body on the big screen, so we had to deliver accordingly. Apart from altering his body composition to look fit, I had to also train him to look like a boxer. This isn’t a film in which there are 10-second boxing bouts; here, there were six proper fight sequences. So, he had to learn the sport from scratch.”

Having spent his life perfecting the art of boxing, Pandey knew that he would have to first train Aaryan to have command over his bodyweight. “Bodyweight training is crucial to developing speed, strength, and agility. The sport also requires endurance and accuracy. He had to train to address all these aspects so that he could truly comprehend what boxers feel and how they train. We trained for a year-and-a-half, and by the end of it, he could pull off push-ups with a 50-kilo plate on his back, and pull-ups with 27.5 kilos adhered to him,” says the proud trainer, who divided Aaryan’s days into two halves so that he could complete his boxing sessions in the morning, and wrap up his strength training routine in the evening.

“If he had a good recovery, we’d pull off a strength-based set the next morning, so that he could train harder. If he hadn’t gotten adequate rest, we’d do cardio, and perform the basics of boxing exercises, like jabs or straight hooks.” 

Pandey describes Aaryan’s routine as “pretty simple”. He’d make the actor perform 15 to 20 repetitions of an exercise with sufficient weights to induce muscle fatigue. Subsequently, he’d increase the weights and have him pull off 12 to 15 repetitions. As Aaryan enhanced his strength, and performed more repetitions with the added weights, Pandey challenged him further.

“He started as a beginner, and, within 14 months, moved on to doing professional-level exercises. We also had to include technique work, like skipping, because he couldn’t do it. Boxers indulge in three-minute-long matches, interrupted by minute-long breaks. Throughout the three minutes, players are expected to stay on their toes so that they can be agile and move from one place to another. To develop that, skipping is the best exercise. It’s crucial for boxers, and helps them develop [strength in their] calf muscles, agility, stamina, and endurance. If you compare the benefits of running with those of skipping, there is research that proves that [for boxers], skipping is more beneficial. By the end of our training, he could pull off 15 variations of skipping.” 

Pandey states that Aaryan’s malleability is evident in the fact that, in a limited time, he could learn an array of skills. “You can see him pull off a set of four [unbroken] handstand push-ups. He has not used any body double; all the fitness-related scenes that you see in the film feature him. I am happy that he achieved this without the use of steroids. Many people are motivated to take short cuts. But he did not want to go down that road. He is vegetarian, but he consumed eggs during that period. He had protein supplements, multivitamins, and other supplements for recovery. From a 2,200-calorie diet, we brought him down to a 1,800-calorie meal plan,” he says.

What was his fat percentage when filming concluded, you ask? “We brought him down to seven.” Typically, this composition is associated with athletes.

Kartik Aaryan has emerged as the torchbearer for the next generation of Bollywood actors, not only because his films have been successful blockbusters but also because he’s a formidable name in the world of brand endorsements.

Aaryan, who debuted on the ‘Forbes India Celebrity 100 list’ in 2019, today boasts of an impressive portfolio of brand associations that transcend international boundaries.

Aaryan entered the industry as an outsider, but with his boyish charm, relatability and effervescent energy, has climbed up the pedestal to become a favourite among corporates.

One of the key factors contributing to Aaryan’s unparalleled success when it comes to signing up brands is his discerning choice of films and the diverse characters he brings to life on screen.

Neeraj Joshi, marketing head at Zee Studios, said, “Aaryan’s is a story that brands love. A boy-next-door from central India making it big with sheer determination, undeniable talent and ‘in-your-face’ attitude. His appeal cuts across age, gender and orientation, which is something most big stars still covet.”

His recent successes, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Freddy and Dhamaka, have skyrocketed his brand value and demand. His upcoming roster includes the muchanticipated horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, the youth-centric Aashiqui 3, and Chandu Champion, a real-life-inspired tale targeted at audiences across demographics. He also has a collaboration with Dharma Productions coming up on an untitled war film, which further solidifies his status as a versatile actor.

“Aaryan is known for portraying characters that resonate with the youth. Gen Z appreciates humour that aligns with their sensibilities, and through his fashion choices, movie roles and social media visibility, Aaryan is massively popular among youngsters,” said Joy Chatterjee, AVP sales and marketing, Mankind Consumer Business Unit.

Even within these factors, his active social media persona stands out as a robust advantage. “For advertisers, social media presence can be a valuable asset. While collaborating with a celebrity or influencer, the first metric a brand looks at is the ‘reach’ they have and what kind of a target audience follows them,” Chatterjee added.

Proof of Aaryan’s magnetism lies in the extensive list of brands he endorses, which spans diverse categories: From FMCG giants like McDonalds, Dabur Red and Cadbury Silk to technology and lifestyle brands like Superdry, Boat Speakers, GTPL and Armani Exchange watches, Kartik’s brand spectrum is as vast as it is impressive. In 2023, his campaigns including #ApnePartnerSePucho (Manforce Condoms), #TheKartikAaryanMeal (McDonald’s) and #YaaronWaaliBaat (McDowell) have been the talk of the brand world.

Today, Aaryan’s commercial value is such that he commands fees between Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 5 crore per brand. He also earns Rs. 40-50 crore per film. These figures are testament to his box office prowess and the immense draw he has for audiences and brands alike.

In Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2022, Aaryan held the 17th position with a brand value of $36.5 million. This not only underscores his popularity but also highlights his ability to resonate with diverse audiences, often through the infusion of humour into his brand associations.

Renowned trade analyst Joginder Tuteja called Aaryan the new face in brand world. “He is a driving force in the world of endorsements. With more than two dozen brands in his kitty, he’s among the top three celebs in the country. It’s indeed a remarkable feat for a person who comes from the heartland, to not just make it big in the glamour world but also retain high levels of popularity among such a large chunk of the audiences. He is one of the leading faces in Bollywood and the brand world,” Tuteja said.

Rakul Preet Singh clocked in five releases in 2022 and one at the beginning of 2023. It’s obviously a busy time in her career. Lately, the actress has also been making news for matters of the heart as she is dating actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani. Rakul, who is enjoying this phase of her career, believes that her work will speak for her. Excerpts from a chat with the actress:

I don’t put much thought into what I have done right because I always live in the present. The moment my films release, it becomes the past. My energies are always on what I need to do next and how I can do better projects and grow as an actor. I am grateful that things panned out the way they have. I am also grateful to all the makers who believed in me as I got to do diverse films — from a commercial movie like Cuttputlli to a thriller like Runway 34 and the campus comedy Doctor G, in which I played a small-town doctor. What’s most important is the love of the audience because box-office numbers are driven by too many factors.

We are creating a debate where there is none. It’s just an outcome of there being so many platforms and the fact that everyone has an opinion on social media. South Indian cinema has been celebrated for the longest time on Hindi GECs (general entertainment channels), where people watch these films. It’s the influx of too much consumption during the pandemic, which is why it became a talking point, and I am glad because those films needed to be celebrated. Regional and Hindi cinema both are a part of the Indian industry, so there is no comparison. Today, if a film is good, it will find its audience. We should rather speak about the amazing time that we are in, where a great exchange of content, artistes and directors is happening, and the fact that we can make such great international-level cinema using talent across the country.

No, I haven’t had that thought because it was never meant to be for the theatres. Today it’s not about which medium the film releases on. Everybody knows that Shershaah was a hit, or everybody was talking about Freddy. A good film will find its audience, whether it’s through OTT or theatres. Sometimes, good movies like Runway 34 get way more appreciation on OTT. Of course, the box-office numbers matter when a film is released in the theatres, but I think we understand that we are going through a re-correction phase currently, and the box office alone does not define whether the film is good, or whether you are good.

Fortunately or unfortunately, it does to some extent. There has been a backlog of films for two years. Films are being released every week; sometimes, there are two releases. How do you expect the audience to come and watch every film? It’s an expensive affair. In the South, there is a cap that the government has on the pricing of the tickets, which you do not have here. So, they pick that one film a month but that doesn’t mean that your movie is bad. It just means that people possibly don’t have money right now. This can be one of the factors. While numbers give you a positioning, the industry realises that it’s a sensitive time today. So, your work is possibly not just looked through the prism of your box-office numbers.

The thing is that I have always been vocal and whenever that conversation happens, I will be open. Given the films I am shooting and the ones Jackky is producing, where do you think we have the time? Whenever it happens, I will be the first one to announce it. As of now, we are extremely busy with our work.

A shy dentist on the surface, a menacing killer beneath — Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of the unhinged dentist in Freddy surprised many. Director Shashanka Ghosh deliberately left the film’s climax open-ended, teasing viewers about the possibility of a second instalment. Barely three weeks since Freddy dropped on Disney+ Hotstar, producer Jay Shewakramani has confirmed to mid-day that a sequel to the psychological thriller is in the works.

“That open-ended bit [enables us] to look at a sequel, which is definitely on the cards. I have told the writers to work on it. When we get a good story, we’ll make the sequel,” states Shewakramani, pleased by the positive response to the movie.

“The kind of love Freddy has got is overwhelming. People, who lost touch with me, have messaged me after watching it.”

For the producer, the thriller is unimaginable without Aaryan. The actor, he says, is game to lead the second edition. Will Ghosh resume his place behind the camera? “We have not taken that call yet,” says Shewakramani.

While the upcoming instalment will focus on a new chapter of Freddy’s life, the producer hints at building a franchise. “His motivation [to kill] is based on love. The second part can be darker, and more twisted. We would like to make a few more [editions] now that the movie is character-led.”

Those who have worked with Anurag Kashyap will tell you how the filmmaker serves as a source of inspiration to them. It’s no different for Alaya F. For the actor who features in the upcoming Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat, Kashyap is God-sent — one who showed faith in her when nobody in the industry did.

“Almost Pyaar was the first film I signed, even before my debut vehicle, Jawaani Jaaneman [2020]. At the time, I was facing back-to-back rejections. People would praise [my reel], but I would never hear back from them. This confused me about the industry, and made me doubt myself. But when I showed my reel to Anurag sir, he said, ‘I have a film that’s perfect for you.’ There was no more discussion; he offered me the film,” recounts Alaya.

That moment transformed the then-newcomer’s perspective. Then on, she went to auditions with renewed confidence. “That someone like him could believe in me gave me unparalleled confidence. It made me think I am worthy of being in the industry. I credit all the things that I got later, to that moment with sir. In a way, my career changed after that.”

Almost Pyaar With DJ Mohabbat, co-starring Karan Mehta, had its premiere at the Marrakech International Film Festival last month. While the romantic drama was in the making for the past four years, Alaya made a promising debut with Jawaani Jaaneman, which released only weeks before the pandemic hit in 2020. Last year, she bagged Freddy, and the remake of the Kannada thriller, U-Turn. 

She says that collaborating with Kashyap made her an assured actor who could juggle these different projects. “Anurag sir throws you into a world of filmmaking where everything is different from the normal way. After you’ve grasped that world, you feel a lot more prepared as an actor. When Freddy came to me, I had no time to prep, but working on Almost Pyaar had given me the confidence [that I’ll pull it off].”

Her start in the movies may have been slow, owing to the pandemic, but her hard work has earned her promising roles in Ekta Kapoor’s Ek Aur Ghazab Kahani, and Rajkummar Rao-led Sri.

“Different composers can create very distinct musical palettes for a film of this nature,” Clinton Cerejo says while responding to our question on the changing trends in score- composition for psychological thrillers. He discusses how Thomas Newman’s play with “organic elements to create moods” in American Beauty, differs from the use of  synths in The Social Network, when making his case. 

“Sonically, they are significantly different, even though they try to achieve the same objective.” It is eventually the discussion with the film’s director that, he believes, sets the scene for a composer.

“You can capture emotions if you decipher the crux of what [the film should highlight],” says Cerejo, who created the score of Kartik Aaryan’s Freddy, a psychological thriller that follows a dentist who becomes unhinged after being short-changed in love.

“Shashanka Ghosh wanted to outline this character of a doctor. I wanted to use the ukulele to create a simple melody to serve as the thematic idea. We wanted to keep repeating it because [we wanted him to come across as] someone who is not multi-layered. In a psychological thriller, the music sets the listener up for something that is intriguing — the listener should feel that there is something going on in the horizon,” says Cerejo, highlighting that Newman’s film, and Eyes Wide Shut were two projects whose scores have stayed with him.

“[In Eyes Wide Shut], there are two base notes that are repeated over and over again in the whole film, and it has a great effect. The hammering of that piano theme is what stays with the audience. In this film, the theme had a sense of sweetness. And as the film progresses, a watcher is compelled to believe something [untoward] is about to happen.”

Trends in score composition for psychological thrillers have seen a departure from the past when “big drums” were employed for the making of music in Bond films, says Cerejo. “Nowadays, textural writing is seen in films and in TV shows as well. For Freddy, we kept things organic to depict this simple guy in an urban world. I used elements like orchestral elements and guitars. Then, for sections, we switched to other textures to make it sound modern.”

He compliments Aaryan for switching gears from comic and romantic roles to pulling off the part of the mentally affected Freddy. “You see him as the introverted guy with [signs of] dyslexia. It was challenging for me because I wanted the music to enhance that aspect of his personality.”

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Clinton Cerejo, who composed the background score for Kartik Aaryan’s latest OTT release, Freddy, is furious over the lack of recognition for those who composed the original score for the film. He took to Instagram to point out how people are not aware of the difference between the music director and the one who composes the background score. 

The musician tells us, “My whole point of lashing out was that it happens in every film. This isn’t the first time it’s happened, and it won’t be the last. The fact is that background scores get marginalized in our country, and people don’t realize their value. It’s high time people stop treating songs and background music as one entity.”

The artiste, who composes music as well as original scores, called out a section of film critics for “not taking an effort while reviewing a film as to who composed the original score” and wrongly mentioning music composer Pritam’s name for giving the background music.

He asserts, “Background scoring as an art form is completely different from songs. The commoners might not understand the terminologies, but a film critic should know the technicalities of filmmaking. All I’m saying is every person needs to get their due. This is the time to raise our voices. We can’t spend our life thinking all this is fine.”

Be it the glossy, urbane Punjabi set up in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), or the eerie essence to the palaces in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, or the old world Parsi charm in Freddy, production designer Rajat Poddar has etched every design in detail backed with solid research. For Freddy, that dropped on Disney+ Hotstar recently, his brief was to create a Parsi house and two clinics that resonated with a psychopathic dentist.

“Shashanka [Ghosh, director] told me that he wanted a mysterious charm to the structures constructed for a Parsi dentist. From using the typical moldings, tiles, flooring to the walls, it was inspired by the early Parsi era. We [initially] made miniature sets, so the shots could be planned [keeping the set] in mind. I had to create a dark ambience for the thriller, so we played with the texture of the architecture. We used psychedelic flooring, created stairways, several doors and passageways to add to the mysterious feel. Shashanka was delighted every time he walked in to a new set,” informs Poddar, who initially was looking at real locations for the film, but backed out because the film was high on drama and emotions.

To authentically create the world of Freddy, Poddar rummaged through Chor Bazaar and old Parsi houses. “To showcase Freddy’s father’s clinic, which is a vintage property, we gathered dental equipments from an old doctor who wasn’t practicing anymore. For the clinic in Mumbai, we kept it modern [in comparison]. My art director Ajay Verekar was equally involved in filming and mastering the props,” says the set designer, adding that Kartik Aaryan was intricately involved in the set designing.

“He wanted to see all the designs to better understand how to move around the house and clinic. His inputs were prop-related, especially when it came to accommodating the pet tortoise in the scene. Kartik wanted the song Kaala Jaadu to be shot on a grandiose scale. His insistence made me pull it off.”

Kartik Aaryan is in no mood to take a break or pause. He continues to enjoy a successful stint at the box office, is a favourite among brands, and now has added another feather to his hat: the actor is set to perform the grand closing act at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa today. In a candid chat, Aaryan tells us how he lets all this adulation sink in and never ever gets complacent.

Totally! I have a great sense of gratitude. Last year, I ventured into OTT and did something totally different in Dhamaka, which was appreciated. Then there’s the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 post-pandemic, now I have Freddy around the corner, which is again a new genre for me. I feel blessed to be working with some fine directors and pushing my boundaries. This act at IFFI 2022 is a celebration of that.

I believe nothing is too small for an impact or to make the right noise. So, I approach everything with the same energy and enthusiasm and give my 100% dedication. It’s a huge honour to take the stage at such a prestigious and respected event.

I feel like I have miles to go and so much to do! The moment I feel content and complacent is when the growth stops. I am constantly wanting to learn, grow and experiment. I’m living the dream that I never want to end.

Performing at IFFI is a great way to usher in my birthday and is a matter of pride for me. It’s been a busy but phenomenal year. I feel extremely grateful for this birthday, and it’s only encouraged me to work harder.

After relieving Bollywood of a long dry spell at the box office with his mega blockbuster, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, actor Kartik Aaryan is set to return the same year in a whole new genre and role with his next, Freddy. While the young superstar has changed 360°, from playing Rooh Baba in his last outing to Dr Freddy Ginwala, it turns out he has also physically transformed himself to play the innocent but manic dentist.

Celebrity fitness trainer Samir Jaura, who worked with the heartthrob through this transformation, shares, “Kartik is someone with a genetically lean body. So, when he was required to gain around 14 kilos for Freddy, we knew it was going to be a task. But, his dedication is next level! He was able to achieve the look well in time, following disciplined routine workouts and the right diet plan. Putting on kilos requires a well supervised process, because it is not just simply the shredding of muscles or getting ripped. He has done a fantastic job and the look came perfectly for the film.”

The actor says, “Freddy has been one of the most interesting and surprising scripts that I have ever read. When I saw that I would also be required to gain weight for the role, among other preparations, I just wasn’t able to worry in that moment because I was so excited to play this character. And it was quite difficult, trying to put on so much weight altogether. But, under Samir’s training, we achieved the goal in time and gladly, the entire team loved the final look.”

Recently, the first teaser of Freddy dropped, which had everyone — from the audiences to the critics and the media — hailing it as extremely surprising and the most shocking one of the year.

The eye-grabbing glimpse has been the biggest talk of the town since it dropped, especially as the poster boy of comedy and romance is out there sending shivers down your spine with just his smile, as he explores a whole new and much darker space and genre with Freddy.

The first glimpse of Freddy announced the date of release as December 2 this year, on Disney + Hotstar. Besides this, the actor also has Shehzada, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Aashiqui 3 and Kabir Khan’s untitled lined up.

It’s evident that Shashanka Ghosh is enjoying his first brush with a thriller, as he says, “I would’ve loved to make the movie darker, but I cannot.”

After light-hearted films like 'Khoobsurat' (2014), 'Veere Di Wedding' (2018) and 'Plan A Plan B', the dark world of 'Freddy' is both enticing and challenging for the director. It’s not uncharted territory for him alone. Kartik Aaryan, who has built his career so far on feel-good comedies and rom-coms, has plunged headlong into the thriller genre with the Ekta Kapoor and Jay Shewakramani production.

“I am known for comedies and rom-coms. Freddy is nothing like what I’ve done before. Kartik came on board for Freddy a couple of years before me. When I spoke to Kartik after reading the script, I was taken aback. I expected many changes, but he wanted to keep it as dark as it was,” recounts Ghosh.

The romantic thriller, also starring Alaya F, was shot late last year and is currently in post-production. For the director, the biggest take-away was Aaryan’s acting prowess — a quality that, he believes, hasn’t been fully tapped into. “Everyone seems to be taken aback that he is acting in a film like Freddy, so was I. Kartik is a director’s actor. I have been trying to work with him for almost five years. I had narrated a movie to him, which didn’t work out. [When I worked with him this time], his intensity in the film shocked me. Off-screen, he comes across as a handsome and easy-going guy. But when the camera rolls, he is immersed in his role.”

Little is known about the thriller that revolves around love and obsession. Shooting for the project was emotionally draining for the leading man, says Ghosh. “[During the shoot], Kartik told me that he is losing sleep because of what he was playing in 'Freddy'. He’d come more than prepared. He was completely into his character.”

Among the few stars to have seen commercial success this year with Bhool Bhulaiya 2, Kartik Aaryan is set to up the stakes with his next, Freddy. Rumour has it that Aaryan’s next, starring Alaya F and Jeniffer Piccinato, is headed for a direct-to-net release, with the team aiming to negotiate a whopping Rs 70 crore deal with Disney+ Hotstar.

A trade source informs mid-day, “The final paperwork is yet to be locked, but the platform has been in talks with the production house for the last few months. The film traces the story of love and obsession.”

The source alludes that in the wake of the success of Taapsee Pannu-starrer Haseen Dillruba, which became among the most-watched films on Netflix from India, platforms have started to consider sinister love stories as a subject that will have many takers, pan-India.

After delivering a power-packed performance in Dhamaka, Kartik Aaryan is now flying high with the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, which had the audience returning to the theatres in large numbers. In a conversation with Bombay Times, Kartik tells us how he is enjoying his success and popularity, and even with so much of it, he never takes it for granted. Excerpts:

Honestly, I had a great feeling about Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 right from the time I heard the script. When the teaser came out, the kind of response we got from the audience for the first asset itself was really exciting. The film was made for families and groups of friends to go out and enjoy together. So, we always hoped it would pull in the masses, but it totally exceeded our expectations with the massive reception it actually got...with the audience whistling and clapping and the film getting the biggest opening weekend for a Hindi film of the year, and crossing the Rs. 100-crore mark so quickly. I am really glad that the audience is loving Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with all their heart and having so much fun watching it more than once in theatres.

In a post-pandemic time, to be able to deliver a film that reaches such an impressive number within its first 10 days alone is one of the most surreal feelings as an actor. I attribute the success, firstly, to the entire team who worked on it for three years, the makers who had this vision and made it come true so impeccably and most importantly, to the audience who have been showering it with so much love and have accepted us with open arms.

I have always said this, I don’t want to restrict myself to any specific type of role. If I like a script, I will take it up irrespective of the genre the film belongs to. Even my other upcoming films are quite different from each other. Shehzada is a full-on entertainer, while Freddy is in a thriller space. Sajid Nadiadwala’s untitled film is a love story and Captain India is an inspiring film. Horror comedy is a comparatively lesser-explored genre, and it is a tricky space to ace, but Anees Bazmee sir has done such a phenomenal job there with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I’m glad I could be a part of this iconic world.

Yes, a movie can be made on my journey (laughs). Getting that first break as an outsider is such a huge task that it felt impossible at every stage. But giving up was never an option. It was definitely quite a struggle to get started and I had to go for a million auditions until Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP) finally happened. PKP did decent business for a small film, I was even recognized by the audience and critics as the monologue guy, but still, it took a long time for the journey to kickstart. I had to still audition. Being an outsider can be tough, but the trick is to keep trying and ensure that your heart is in the right place. My passion was always to act and entertain the audience, so keeping that as my goal, I kept trying until I made a mark. Even today, with 100-crore films to my credit, I don’t sit back and take it lightly. I know that I have to continue the hard work and double it because this job demands a lot and I am ready to give my 100 per cent. I owe all my success and stardom to the audience, I am where I am today because of their endless love and support.

I am very grateful to hear that and glad that my passion is speaking for me today. I think the reason for the connect is that I myself have been that audience and I have come from amongst the crowd. So, when I see the love from my fans, I try my best to give back as much as I can. During Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 promotions, I visited various cities across different states. Each city welcomed me warmly and showered so much love that the feeling is unexplainable and that’s the feeling I live for. So it’s the audience and my mutual admiration for each other that I love. Also, I don’t see any reason for me to change. I was the same Kartik Aaryan before being an actor, I am the same right now. I am very connected to my roots and my family, too, supports me a lot and, at the same time, helps me stay grounded.

I celebrated Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’s success on its first weekend itself. I went to Gaiety cinema in Mumbai last weekend and made sure to celebrate the big success with the audience. For me, that was my celebration mode. I danced with them, I talked to them about the film and of course, seeing the ‘House Full’ board made me very happy. I have always said that I’m a fan-made star. So, my celebration would be incomplete without them.

All I can say is that I feel closer to my goal of wanting to be the No. 1 actor and the feeling is great (smiles).

“I work without expectation so everything seems rewarding,” says actor Sajjad Delafrooz. Known for the role of Abu Usman in Salman Khan-led Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), the actor was later seen in the OTT show, Special Ops.

Recalling his journey, he reveals he started his acting career in 2011, but faced a big problem. “I didn’t know Hindi and the dream to work in Hindi films seemed like a joke back then. I didn’t have any contacts or idea on how to go about it either. So, for seven years, I kept contacting people, did modelling and music videos in Dubai. People would advise me to give up and their words started to affect me. Then I decided to give myself a month and for 10 hours every day I would email all possible production houses.” Finally, the film Tiger Zinda Hai happened, but he had to work hard for three months before he bagged the part of the antagonist.

The actor, who wrapped up the shoot for actor Kartik Aaryan-starrer Freddy, says high competition in Bollywood was a huge obstacle for him. “Bollywood is welcoming, but you have to be ready for the challenge and competition is the biggest one. One shouldn’t think that after one project, some fame, things are sorted - no! You have to try and work hard for each role,” he says.

The actor believes that the industry keeps changing every year with regards to content or presentation. “And we have seen how the two years of the pandemic have been tough for everyone. I live alone so being strong is important. To reach your goal you have to be strong. It doesn’t mean being selfish. Many of my friends went through anxiety during the pandemic and I could help them by giving them strength and support,” says the actor.

The biggest surprise or ‘dhamaka’ of 2021 has been Kartik Aaryan as Arjun Pathak. The actor wrapped up this year with a bang with Dhamaka, his superhit release. The movie has become a favourite among his fans and critics alike. And after having impressed the audience with this whole new genre, Aaryan promises to deliver even more varied and surprising roles in the coming year.

When Ram (Madhvani, director) sir put his faith in me and gave me this author-backed role of Arjun Pathak, I instantly knew I would put in my blood, sweat, tears and anything that the role demanded to make it happen. It was a conscious decision to step into a different arena, but also a risk that paid off. I was overwhelmed with the love the film received, be it from the audience or critics. The praise and love for my role gave me a huge sense of validation as an actor. Dhamaka’s success has also given me the confidence to explore things outside of my comfort zone and push the envelope. Also, it was my debut on OTT and it has been such a dhamakedaar one that it has made 2021 extra special.

I feel blessed and my heart swells with gratitude that, as an outsider with no connections to the industry, I am now topping big filmmakers’ wish list. I’ve dreamt of being an actor for as long as I can remember, and now I’ve reached a position where I can actually choose the kind of films I’d like to do. And once an actor reaches that stage, one has to double up their hard work. So, today when I see my forthcoming films, be it Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shehzada, Freddy, Captain India or Sajid (Nadiadwala, filmmaker) sir’s love story, they all belong to different genres, and this makes my journey exciting.

The year 2021 has treated me well. I am safe, healthy and so are my family and loved ones. It has also been a great year professionally, one of risks and rewards. Dhamaka changed the perspective of filmmakers towards me. I hope 2022 is just as kind and rewarding. I can’t wait for audiences and my fans to see me take on different roles, and I hope to have their continued support and love.

Yes, that is something I started thinking about more recently, once I had that opportunity to really choose my projects. I want to expand my boundaries as an actor. I want to play many characters and live different lives. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the kind of roles I have already done, but even in those spaces, I would like to try and do things differently. I think it is very important to reinvent and move with the times. That, to me, is a mark of a great actor.

I think the #KartikPurnima trend really surprised me — fans dedicating a day to you, expressing their love, sharing videos, performing rituals. Even the one fan who kept a fast for me was something that I never expected fans would do. I feel so eternally grateful. Another interesting incident was when a fan showed me a tattoo she got for me — a permanent inking of my name and birth date. Such small gestures by my fans really make me happy and make me think that all my hard work is worth it, as I receive so much love.

Alaya F, who is currently shooting for a supernatural thriller, says she feels blessed to be in the limelight. “It does get overwhelming, in a positive way, but that is what you work for. I think it’s more fun than anything because every day is a new experience and I’m really enjoying it,” says Alaya, adding, “You have to realise that you’re blessed to be doing this and putting things into perspective.”

Alaya had the opportunity of working with Saif Ali Khan and Tabu in her debut film Jawaani Jaaneman, which she feels helped her learn a great deal, but sharing screen space with Kartik Aaryan for the upcoming Freddy was also fulfilling. So, how different were the experiences?

Alaya replies, “Actually not very different! Whether it is Kartik or Saif sir or Tabu ma’am, these people really know what they do and they have a very strong hold over the performances. All of them were so generous and it was wonderful to be around them as I was able to learn and grow in that environment. I feel grateful to have worked with such lovely people so early on in my career.”

Alaya doesn’t mind admitting that she is extremely competitive as an artiste. She shares, “I’m very competitive but I think it’s important to ensure that the competitiveness doesn’t become negative.”

Alaya says, “There are people who are doing such wonderful work. You look up to them and want to do better. If the competitiveness is not productive, it doesn’t serve any purpose. It will only add to everyone’s already existing stress.”

Having said that, she ensures that she makes it a point to keep in touch with the work of her contemporaries like Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Panday because she feels they’re all doing incredibly well. “I have a great deal to learn from all of them,” she says.

Alaya’s mother, actress Pooja Bedi, is known for portraying Devika in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). Ask Alaya if she would play the character if ever a remake was on the cards, and she says, “I think that would be too gimmicky. Besides, we are very different as actors. She was known for different things and I’m very new so I don’t really know what I’m known for. Instead, I would like to play the role that Ayesha Jhulka ma’am played. I think that would be interesting and fun if there was ever a remake of Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar.”

From flaunting stretch marks, to posting no-makeup selfies, and goofy videos, Alaya feels it is important for her to keep things real on social media. “So many people are being ‘perfect’ that someone has to be imperfect,” she says, adding, “I’m not perfect in any way and I don’t think anyone really is! It is crucial for everyone, especially young girls and boys out there, to realise that many things are filtered and tailor-made for Instagram. And while I’m all for the glamour side of it, I want people to know that looking glamourous is just a part of my job; it’s not who I am in real life! So, adding authenticity to my social media posts is imperative. It is something that just comes naturally to me.”

Many young celebrities have spoken about dealing with mental health issues. Alaya feels it is an important step in normalising mental health. “Everyone is currently going through mental health struggles. Nobody can stay strong through everything and that’s okay. The more we talk about it, the more people realise that they are not alone – and that makes it a lot more comforting!” she adds.

Alaya says the biggest lesson she learnt in 2021 was to slow down and breathe. “I was always someone who felt guilty about taking a moment to myself or not giving 1000% to every single thing that I was doing. I’ve realised that hustle causes a lot of stress. This year, I learnt to take a break when I needed to. This is something that I will definitely carry into the years ahead, because taking time out for myself and my mental health is important,” she explains.

On a parting note, Alaya says she hopes for a productive 2022. “I really wish for great opportunities and I hope that I can do justice to those opportunities,” she says, before signing off.

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Alaya feels it would be exciting to portray a character from the LGBTQIA+ community. “I actively want to do diverse roles and I don’t want to put myself in a certain bracket. Playing a queer character onscreen would be great because the more films there are on queer issues, the more it will help in ensuring visibility for the community, along with normalising the conversation around it. Cinema plays a big part in influencing how people view certain things and it can help change narratives. I would love to play a key character that’s queer,” she asserts.

Alaya F caught the audience’s attention with her easy screen presence in Jawaani Jaaneman (2020). But almost two years down the line, we are yet to see her back on the silver screen. She admits the pandemic put the brakes on her career. “After the film’s release, I was on cloud nine. It felt like I was finally living my dream,” begins Alaya, who, like the rest of us, had little idea what 2020 had in store. 

“In a few weeks, we were all in a global lockdown. Right after Jawaani, I had signed two films. I lost both films in the first two months of the lockdown. I was scared because I was unsure of where my career stood.”

It required some emotional strength and a lot of social media savviness to turn the tide. “[Thanks to] social media, I was visible every day, and it got me attention from brands and people. The minute things started opening up, I jumped back into work. I went after films like a total newcomer, did auditions, and had meetings with producers.”

Her drive paid off as she bagged two plum projects soon — Ekta Kapoor’s U-Turn, an adaptation of the 2016 Kannada film of the same name, and Freddy alongside Kartik Aaryan. “I stayed away from watching the original U-Turn. I didn’t want to imitate what Samantha did in the [Tamil and Telugu versions]. I have to own the part. The script has been revisited and the narrative has new sub-plots, so it’s best to approach it with a fresh view.”

In September, Alaya wrapped up the shoot of Freddy, billed as a romantic thriller. All praises for her co-star, she says, “Kartik is a hardworking actor who is good at his job. He will surprise people with this film.”

It has been a packed few months for Kartik Aaryan. The actor completed Shashanka Ghosh’s Freddy in a start to finish schedule while juggling the final leg of Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. Rumours are rife that the Punchnama actor is set to kick off prep for Hansal Mehta’s Captain India next.

While physical training for the film is a must, a  source informs, “The film requires rigorous prep and research [to establish] the complex back stories of the characters. Kartik will take a few days off to promote his Netflix film Dhamaka in the interim, which is said to release close to Diwali.” 

Captain India is rumoured to be based on Operation Raahat, when the Indian Armed Forces under the leadership of General Vijay Kumar Singh evacuated 4,800 Indians and 2,000 foreign nationals from the clutches of Al-Qaeda terrorist, Nasir Al-Wuhayshi during the Yemeni Crisis in 2015. “Mehta hopes to take the project to floors this month and finish it by the year end. The actor’s dates are being worked out currently,” adds the source.

Kartik Aaryan has been in the news lately, following his exit from Dostana 2 and alleged fallout with Dharma Productions over creative differences. Last week it was reported that Kartik lost out on another big project — Red Chillies Entertainment’s Freddy, to be directed by Ajay Bahl, and on Monday, it was reported that he was replaced by Ayushmann Khurrana in Aanand L Rai’s next production. There have been various theories doing the rounds online on Kartik’s sudden exit from various projects since then.

On Dostana’s front, both parties maintained a dignified silence, barring a Dharma statement that said, ‘Dostana 2 will be recast due to professional circumstances’. Red Chillies chose not to comment on Freddy. However, Rai was quick to deny the story and called it ‘baseless rumours’. He clarified that they had met Kartik for a different film and are still in talks. In a statement, he said, “We have taken another film to Ayushmann and this is a complete mix up.”

About the recent turn of events, an industry insider told Bombay Times, “Kartik parted ways with Red Chillies’ Freddy in January. Things didn’t work out. There was no bad blood. That film hasn’t taken off yet and the makers themselves wanted changes in the script and director Ajay Bahl was clear that he won’t make any. No one has been signed for it, so Kartik saying no to being cast alongside Katrina Kaif is bizarre. Why are these stories coming out now?” While the production house hasn’t commented yet, a source clarified, “Yes, Kartik has returned the money and the production house has no issues with him. The film will take off this year with Bahl, but they haven’t cast anyone yet.”

As far as Rai is concerned, the insider adds, “He had narrated a different story to Kartik, which he wasn’t excited about. It’s common for directors to pitch multiple stories to actors and then brainstorm on what they want to make. Nothing concrete happened in that meeting. The story offered to Ayushmann was totally different, so there is no question of Kartik being replaced.”

Kartik’s upcoming line-up has Ram Madhvani’s Dhamaka, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with Anees Bazmee, Hansal Mehta’s next and Sajid Nadiadwala’s upcoming love story.

Kartik Aaryan was recently in the news for his fallout with Karan Johar’s production house. Reportedly, after 20 days of shooting for Dostana 2, he had disagreements with the producers over the script, which led them to parting ways subsequently. Dharma Productions even issued a statement in which they said, “Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence — we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin D’Cunha.”

In a recent development, the Pati Patni Aur Woh actor is reportedly no longer a part of Shah Rukh Khan’s production house, Red Chillies Entertainment’s film Freddy. The movie was to be directed by Ajay Bahl, who had previously helmed BA Pass. Kartik was supposed to star opposite Katrina Kaif in the venture. 

Sources have it that, this time again, the actor demanded some changes in the script, which didn’t go down well with the makers. The argument lies in the fact that the actor has been raising concerns about the scripts and his roles after signing on the dotted line. However, fortunately, in this case, he hasn’t shot for the film yet, and apparently, he has also returned the signing amount.

We reached out to Kartik as well as the production house. While the actor didn’t wish to comment, there was no response from the production house till the time of going to press.