Kartik, Geared Up

This youth icon has had his fair share of highs and lows. But unperturbed by either, Kartik Aaryan keeps his head in the game. Catching him as he wraps up a chocka-block schedule, hello! Gets the scoop on how kartik winds up after a hard day's work, why he believes he's a fan favourite and the ideal poster boy for brands, and more!

Kartik Aaryan is undeniably an uber-popular and sought-after youth icon. The exuberant actor, who has showcased his versatility in movies like Dhamaka, Freddy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, is filled with immense gratitude for the way his life has panned out, crediting his journey to the challenges from his early days in the industry. But today, Kartik is gung ho about his latest film in the works, Satyaprem Ki Katha, in which he plays a character he believes comes closest to his real-life persona.

Unchanged by the trappings of fame, Kartik has come a long since his days of struggle. From heading straight home to his parents and dog from sets to his manic love for cars and his fans, Kartik candidly discusses every aspect of his life in this free-wheeling chat with HELLO!.

Kartik, there was a time you shared a flat with many roommates. You’re now at the top of your career with your own space. How do you look back at this journey? I always look back with gratitude. The journey’s been pretty rough and tough. This industry is so vast, and the challenges are so many for those from both within the industry and outside. There are times when it’s difficult to make things work and hold onto hope. But I didn’t look at sharing a flat with multiple people as a challenge back then. I come from a middle-class family from a small town. So I know how to adjust even in the tiniest of places with many others.

The challenges at the time were bigger. Like getting a break and learning how to survive in the business without a godfather. That journey, that struggle was essential for me to have reached where I am today. It’s made me who I am. It shaped my perspective and kept me grounded.