Kartik Aaryan, one of Bollywood’s most promising and talented actors, has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, through his screen presence and performances that resonate with audiences. He recently appeared in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, which is now available for streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.
Kartik’s rise to fame began with his memorable performance in Pyaar Ka Punchnama, where his iconic monologue earned him widespread recognition. Since then, he has consistently proved his versatility with a string of successful films, including Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Renowned for his effortless comic timing and ability to portray emotional depth, Kartik continues to charm audiences, solidifying his status as one of the leading actors in contemporary Indian cinema. During the interview, he reflected on the pivotal moment that shaped his career, opened up about the unwavering support he’s received from the industry, and candidly shared his goals for dating.
Recalling the early inspiration that drove him to pursue a career in acting, Kartik opened up about the profound influence of two Bollywood legends. “Amitabh Sir and Shahrukh Sir have been great inspirations for me to pursue acting. I still remember watching Baazigar and thinking, ‘This is what I want to do, I want to be an actor.’ At that time, I had no idea about filmmaking, dialogues, or direction. I was just in 9th or 10th standard. But yes, watching movies like that ignited my passion for this profession.”
Reflecting on a turning point in his career, Kartik shared, “While Pyaar Ka Punchnama was undoubtedly an important film for me, it was Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety that truly became a breakthrough moment in my life. Before Sonu, hardly anyone knew my name. The reactions I got after the film were like, ‘This guy is Kartik Aaryan.’ I feel this movie brought a big change and played a significant role in shaping my career.”
Speaking about his dating goals, Kartik candidly shared, “There was a time when there were so many rumours about my dating life. At that time, I didn’t pay much attention to it because I was new to connecting and networking for work only, and suddenly those things became rumors. I’m not dating anyone. I don’t have time to date anyone. After so many rumors, I’ve become more careful, and I prefer to keep my personal life private. If I were to date someone, I would definitely date an actor because they’d understand the profession best. I believe that respecting each other and making time for each other is the foundation of any good relationship. Loyalty is the key, and it’s non-negotiable in any relationship.”
Opening up about the support he has received from the industry, he spoke about the impact of their encouragement on his career. “Shah Rukh Sir has always been incredibly kind and supportive. He never misses a chance to encourage me. After Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, he congratulated me and had such motivating words to say—it really meant a lot. It’s amazing how someone like him finds time to lift others up. Recently, I met Vijay Sethupathi Sir and congratulated him on Maharaja. Moments like these remind me how important it is to inspire and appreciate each other. Even Vidya Balan Ma’am, after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, told me, ‘Your thinking is unique, and being a risk-taker will take you far.”
Addressing the myths and false rumours about his PR strategy, Kartik reveals, “I want to make it clear that every actor has a PR team, and there are PR stunts and stories. But rumours about increasing fees and making stories around that usually come from certain production houses or agencies. I don’t have any family connections in the industry who can speak positively about me. There are actors with strong networks who have that kind of support, but if my fee increases and it becomes news, I can assure you that’s not a PR move. People just love creating stories.”
Watch the full episode of In The Ring With Filmfare ft. Kartik Aaryan only on Filmfare’s YouTube Channel.
