Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 18, 2020)

Kartik Aaryan’s self-attested “jungli” lockdown look has spawned many a hot take. When the actor recently conducted an Instagram poll, asking followers if he’d look better without the intense facial fuzz, Deepika Padukone was among the early responders, agreeing that he would.

Taking a cue from the actress, a bunch of kids took the musical route with what Kartik called a ‘Cut The Beard Concert’, to suggest that the actor might be in need of a snip. Parodying Kartik’s hit track, “Dil Chori”, from Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, the group went, “Mila Tujhe Muh Cute Sa, Ye Tune Kya Kar Diya, Mujhko Ye Tu Bata, Kya Tera Blade Hai Lapata, Muh Sadhu Jaisa Ho Gaya Oye Ki Kariye Ki Kariye”, with two of the kids smearing shaving foam on their faces.

“Kartik came across the video while looking at one of his fan pages and loved it,” informs a source close to the actor, adding that the message was all the more special as it came from kids. “He loves his little fans and tries to interact with them as much as possible.”

Now, the concerted efforts of Deepika and the young fans seem to have worked. Over the weekend, Kartik returned to Insta to share a clip of his new avatar. The video narrated in Kartik’s mother’s voice just how he was “tricked” into shaving his beard. In the actor’s words, “Mummy sahi khel gayi.” And that’s how a jungli became civilised.

Deepali Singh (DNA; May 12, 2019)

It’s Kartik Aaryan’s mother, Mala Tiwari, who answers the door when we arrive at his cosy Juhu residence on a hot Friday afternoon. She immediately ushers us inside and offers us a choice of cold or room-temperature water, before responding herself, “Saada hi laati hoon, itni garmi se aaye ho.”

So, when the actor tells us that he had been missing his mom and his entire family all the time that he stayed alone in Mumbai, you can see why he must have missed the warm, fuzzy feeling of coming home to loved ones.

Now that the Luka Chuppi actor is well settled in the city, he’s brought his kin down from Gwalior to stay with him. “I had a dream that we would all live together once again. Now, after almost seven-eight years of staying here alone, I asked them to join me. In a way, this is my dream house because my parents and sister are here with me,” he states. When Kartik aka Koki — as his mom lovingly calls him — and she settle down for a chat, the former tells us that this time, they will celebrate Mother’s Day together after many years.

Excerpts from a chat with the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety star and his ‘very photogenic’ maa…

Would you say you are a mamma’s boy?
Kartik: I have always been a mamma’s boy. I have been sharing everything with her since childhood and I still do. The only secret I kept from her and the family for more than three years was my dream of becoming an actor because I didn’t know if anyone would believe me or what it would lead to.
Mala: It’s true, he tells me everything. He even discusses his girlfriends with me.

How does it feel to see your son’s success?
Kartik: Mummy toh tareef hi karengi meri!
Mala: (Laughs) Nothing like that. But yes, it’s an extremely proud and happy feeling. However, there is also a fear because the career he has chosen is so full of insecurities. He has to prove himself each Friday. Here, even if you go really high up, you can go down as quickly as that. So, I just tell him to be prepared.

Back in Gwalior, how did you celebrate Mother’s Day or other occasions?  
Kartik: We had a fixed restaurant where we used to go for any celebrations. We would sit at the same table, and order the same food, from the same waiter who never had a haircut in his life! We haven’t been able to celebrate that way for the past couple of years.
Mala: Even here, we will probably do that. Order dal makhani, some paneer dish, boondi raita and naan!

Is there any gift he has given you that you cherish a lot?  
Mala: He had given me his first cheque of Rs 2,500, which he had got for doing an ad. Later, when he was signed for a film, he gave me that cheque for Rs 11,000 as well. Then some years ago, he had come to Gwalior and he got gifts for the entire family. He had gifted me a ring at that time. I cherish that a lot and I liked the fact that he thought of bringing something for each one of us. You can expect that from the girls, lekin bete itna nahin karte. So, that’s precious.

Kartik, what about you? Any advice of hers that you take seriously?
Kartik: Advice toh chalti hi rehti hai (laughs) — especially lifestyle-related. If I’m on a diet, she’s always telling me to eat more. She won’t understand that I might need to look lean for a particular role. She had a fight with my trainer once because he insisted I don’t eat carbs. So, the driver would suddenly offer me a chocolate or there would be dishes kept in front of me that she knows I would find difficult to resist. She keeps doing things like that (smiles). She is happy as long as I eat properly and sleep on time. Then, of course, she wants me to stay grounded and I assure her I will.
Mala: I tell him that the advice we give you will always be correct. An outsider can lie to you but we, as a family, will always have your best interests at heart.

As a mother, what has been your proudest moment? 
Mala: There are so many. But the one I remember the most is when he had come to Gwalior for a shoot. There were so many people who had come to see him. The entire city had posters welcoming him and calling him ‘Son of Gwalior’. He was barely able to step out of his trailer because there were so many people outside calling out his name. He was even invited to his school, St Paul’s, as the chief guest. When he arrived, the school band started playing and there were flowers on the path all the way to the stage.
Kartik: There was so much warmth and positivity around. There was a sense of belonging. The crowd was unbelievable.
Mala: Earlier, we used to be called to the parent-teacher meetings to be scolded for some mischief he had done. This time, the principal called me to invite him to the school as a chief guest. I told him that I’m really happy! (Smiles). That was such a proud feeling.

Have things changed ever since your family moved to Mumbai to stay with you? 
Kartik: No, not really. I have never been a party person. I don’t smoke or drink either...

So, your mom hasn’t got a chance to scold you?
Kartik: Ha ha! Nahin, bahut mauke milte hain. Even if I try, I end up coming home late at times. But having them here keeps me grounded. I had always wanted the family to be together again, celebrating occasions. We will celebrate Mother’s Day today and order for the same dishes, without looking at the menu (laughs)!

Eight years on, Kartik Aaryan is finally savouring success, being choosy and enjoying all the trappings of stardom. He is no longer just Sonu, the monologue boy
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 17, 2019)

A beaming Kartik Aaryan welcomes us to his new Juhu flat on Valentine's Day. Touted as the next big thing, Kartik has been garnering ample female adulation since the release of the sleeper hit, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, last year. His mother (Mala Tiwari) narrates a funny story to us about how she gets random phone calls from people calling in to check if Aaryan is available for marriage. As we laugh it off over an elaborate spread of aloo parathas and lassi, the actor muses about the ephemeral nature of showbiz. "That's exactly how it's designed. Movies, and only movies, stay back as legacy. Everything else is a bubble," he says. Over the next hour, we chat about his sudden stardom, making it without a godfather, the fine art of turning down offers and his love life.

What has changed after the success of Sonu Ki Titu Ki Sweety?
My entire life. People know who I am. Before the film, they knew me by face but not my name. I am no longer just catering to the youth. Now, taijis, chachis and mummies know me. For the first time in eight years, I have the option of choosing from a variety of scripts. I no longer need to pick up just about anything that comes my way. The options are better than before. I strived to become a priority for filmmakers, rather than an option. Sonu... made it possible.

Were there days during your struggle when you've just picked up anything to make money?
Money was never a priority. Not back then, not now. I haven't really worked for money. I am passionate about movies, good roles and scripts. I am choosing scripts keeping in mind a good mix of content and commercial cinema. I am a diehard massy movie buff. I want to be seen as a hero of the masses who headlines big potboilers.

Have you been able to drop the tag of being the monologue boy?
I still am and enjoy being labelled for it. It gave me credibility. People ask me to recite the monologue often, but now they have discovered more to me. During promotions, I realise what works for me is that I am relatable, yet aspirational. I have struggled hard for long to make it this far, and I can see that admiration and respect in people for me. The monologues are stuff cults are made off. They remain viral for years. It's my iconic scene, which I will be remembered for, and not many actors get, or are even able to crack, such momentous scenes on screen in their first film.

It's been eight years since Pyaar Ka Punchnama. Has it taken far too long to reach here?
It has been a rough and weary journey. I can't quantify my struggle. I didn't become an overnight star even when my debut film became a cult movie. After such a major hit, I was still struggling to get a proper film with a meaty role. I wouldn't get parts where I had anything challenging to do. I have seen ups and downs and the struggle continues even today. It has only gotten bigger. But I am proud of myself. My journey from a small town like Gwalior to becoming a movie star is surreal and overwhelming. Now, by virtue of this struggle, I have expectations of myself and I wake up each day to live up to them. I have to be bigger than Sonu or the monologue boy.

How did you tackle the first bout of stardom?
It is a tricky situation as the industry creates a bubble. Love poured, brand endorsements came my way and fans increased manifold. I had to remind myself of the time when I was considered unfit for those very commercials. I can't get swayed by the adulation because I have seen the other side of life as well. I love my craft. I am grateful for fans, but I am not here to post selfies on Instagram. I was offered Rs 10 crore for a film post Sonu, but I just didn't see myself in it, so turned it down. I don't need money right now. I am no longer in a place where I desperately need money to survive. Now, money and glamour are by-products of what I do. I have enough awareness to know I can't get carried away because this is replaceable. I have seen duds on Fridays, so I am enjoying the love while it lasts. The industry is a gamble. You never know which Friday makes anyone a superstar and then there are chances that a masterpiece doesn't work.

How hard was it to turn down roles and what were the repercussions?
It's an art to learn to say no. When someone offers you a role, and you say no, it's mostly taken as an offence. No one looks at it objectively and thinks, may be, I could have spoilt their film by being a misfit. I have learnt this the hard way that there are ways of turning down offers. And, I have craved to get a single movie offer. I never thought I would come to this point where I have to plot ways to say no without getting into people's bad books. I am aware of the pros and cons now.

All your films so far have been comedies. Don't you want to experiment more?
I don't want to be drastic. I want to explore more in comedy too. My next, Luka Chuppi, is different from my previous movies. It is a comedy of errors. My character, Guddu, is innocent and loveable. I am on the look out for anti-hero parts and thrillers.

Are you doing the sequel of Love Aaj Kal (2009) with Sara Ali Khan?
Imtiaz Sir [Ali, director] has been my favourite filmmaker. Yeh jo baatein chal rahi hai, kaash sach ho jayein. I want to work with him.

You have been papped with a mystery woman. Who is she?
I started getting papped after Sonu... I don't like to talk about my personal life. I don't think it's fair to the person I am seeing. But at the same time, it is not that I will not step out for fear of being papped.

So you are seeing someone?
Yaar, time kahan hai? I am single as work is primary at the moment. When I am in a relationship, people will know.

What about rumours of you and Ananya Panday?
Two spottings and we are dating? She's a friend, a colleague. We are working on Pati Patni Aur Woh together. We gel well. There's nothing more to it.

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; November 22, 2018)

Kartik Aaryan is still coming to terms with the success that’s come his way in 2018. Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS), which released in February this year, turned the tables for the young actor. Today, he has been noticed by filmmakers as well as brands. Not just that, he’s also been paired with leading heroines in his upcoming project.

The Pyaar Ka Punchnama actor moved into his new plush apartment in Juhu, two days ago. That is where we catch up for breakfast. Over a cup of coffee and omelettes, the 29-year-old actor, who turns a year older today, talks about his birthday plans, career goals and relationship status. Over to him...

What are your birthday plans this year?
I don’t have any grand plans. I’m not partying, though it has been a great year for me. I just didn’t get the time to plan and call people. Unless my friends land up at my place, there is nothing on the cards. My parents are in the city this year, so, I may go out for dinner with them. Usually, my mom travels to Mumbai to be with me on this day. She bakes a cake for me. I’m sure she’s making one this year, too.

Do you like celebrating your birthday?
I do. In fact, I like celebrating it in a big way with my friends and family. Party throw karna, kahi pe bahar jaana... I enjoy all that. I love gifts, but there won’t be any return gifts (smiles). That’s a huge motivation for me to throw a birthday bash. But jokes apart, it’s fun because you feel important and get all the attention.

What’s your fondest memory of a birthday?
There are two. A few years ago, we were shooting for Pyaar Ka Punchnama outside a gurudwara in Delhi. The crew got so many cakes for me. One of my co-stars smeared it on my face. Soon, I was running behind others with one in my hand. It turned into a cake fight in no time. I remember that fondly because suddenly we were like kids again. Last year, I celebrated the day with my fans for the first time. A fan club had organised a small event. I had asked my team to connect with them and met them. I had got such lovely handmade gifts — there were pictures, scrapbooks, collages and frames. I was overwhelmed with the love I received that day.

How has the success of SKTKS changed things for you?
This year has been extremely special. Yes, SKTKS has changed a lot of things — my life has gone topsy-turvy. I wanted to be in this position for the longest time and it has taken me quite a few years to each here. I’m happy with the way my career has shaped up. For the first time, I played a quintessential Bollywood hero. The likability that people had for the character translated onto real life. 2018 is turning out to be a great year for me... I’m hosting awards, getting a lot of them and performing at award functions. There are many firsts that are happening this year.

Do you think you are in a place to choose the kind of work you want to do?
Yes, 100 per cent. Iss position pe aane ke liye toh itni mehnaat ki hai. But when you get to this place, it becomes all the more tricky. You can’t predict what happens on the Friday that your film releases. But I can be happy and content knowing that I can pick what I feel works best for me rather than having to do things for money. I couldn’t have taken such decisions last year. Thankfully, I can do that now. 2018 has been a miraculous year for me. I’m living a different life this year. When I look back even at the last two years, I was struggling financially. One of my Fridays has worked wonderfully, so I deserve it (the success) right now. Kal ko next waala agar acha nahi gaya, I won’t deserve it as much. Koi aur aa jayega, but I don’t want that to happen. So, I have to make sure I make the best choices.

Considering this is the time you are focussing on your career, is there any space for a relationship?
There’s always space for a relationship. Again, it’s the kind of job that I’m doing in which you tend to lose out on time. And I’m someone who loves working. Sometimes, you have to sacrifice because of the nature of the profession. The erratic schedules leave you with no time for yourself either. These are the professional hazards of being an actor. I might not be able to be there completely for someone else. So, I don’t want that guilt of hurting someone.

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.

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 3, 2016)

After Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Kartik Aaryan is gearing up to acquire a lean body and six-pack abs for a brand's shoot. But instead of hiring a fitness trainer, the actor has asked for a little help from his mother, Mala, who has flown down from Gwalior to closely monitor his diet.

"I have a sweet tooth, so the diet goes for a toss sometimes. Indulging in junk food also takes its toll. But my mom has come to my rescue," says Kartik, admitting that he misses his lassi and aloo ka parathas. "Mom has made a proper chart, which I have been following dedicatedly. Dal, soya bean and Paneer forms the major part of it," reveals Kartik, adding that his mom will be leaving for Gwalior in the next two days. "But she'll be back next week," he guffaws. Kartik has also been focussing on functional and weight training. "I'll have six-packs soon," he beams.