Kartik Aaryan made his debut with Luv Ranjan’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011). For years after, he was known for a five-minute monologue from the movie that was criticised for its misogyny. But the success of films like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), Love Aaj Kal 2 (2020) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) has allowed Aaryan to have the last laugh.
During his Front Row session, Anupama Chopra asked Aaryan if there were moments when the actor felt like patting himself on the back and saying, ‘Well done!’ It turns out there are many moments that made Aaryan feel this way.
The first that Aaryan could remember was when he was cast as Rajat in Pyaar Ka Punchnama, which is about three friends and their quest for love. “I was so happy ki mujhe first film mil gayi (I was so happy that I got my first film),” said Aaryan.
Next in line was Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), also directed by Ranjan. Aaryan said this was the movie that got him real recognition among moviegoers. “Kartik Aaryan – inko naam pata hai, bahot time tak woh cheez nhi thi life main (They knew my name. I didn’t have that for a very long time in my life),” he said.
Laxman Utekar’s Luka Chuppi (2019) and Mudassar Aziz’s Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019) also left Aaryan feeling proud of himself as did working on Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal 2 alongside Sara Ali Khan. “Then, the biggest pat on my back was Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and its success,” he said.
The actor said he thoroughly enjoyed how Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’s title track, sung by Neeraj Shridhar, became popular. “Sabne uski harr tareeke se tareef ki (All aspects of the song were complimented). So I was really happy with the result of that song as well. So yeah, there have been moments,” said Aaryan.
Watch Aaryan’s Front Row session here.
Aaryan’s upcoming releases include Shehzada and Captain India.