Kartik Aaryan Aap Ki Adalat Interview –
Be it the tiff with Karan Johar, the allegation of ‘copying’ Akshay Kumar, rumours of being unprofessional, the secret behind his recent success or chatter about his love life – Kartik Aaryan has bared it all in the recent Aap Ki Adalat interview with Rajat Sharma (India TV Editor-in-Chief and Chairman). Producer Sajid Nadiadwala appeared as the judge.
The young star has answered all the questions with his trademark goofy, sarcastic, funny, and flirty charm. Read on for the full excerpt –
On the allegation of being ‘Secretive’?
I’ve been secretive since childhood. I didn’t tell even my parents about my acting ambition.
Teachers, and students everyone knew – I wasn’t interested in studying. I even went to audition during a VIVA once. I requested the teacher to take my VIVA afterwards and she even agreed to it but she said – “I’ll pass you, if you are able to tell me my name.” But I failed to do so! After that, it became my habit to never forget girls’ names.
Before Pyaar Ke Punchnama, often at times I would clear the audition and tell everyone that I’m going to be a hero. But the project wouldn’t take off. And then people would ask – kya hua, hero ban gaya?
So I decided I wouldn’t tell anyone about my work. Instead, I told everyone I was interning at Kokilaben Hospital. For a year, I went on shooting like this. When the PKP trailer released, then I dropped the bomb on my parents about acting!
I used to change and wash my face in the railway washroom. Local trains mai bohot travel kia hai. Nobody knew me so it was easy to keep it secret.
My Mom thought I was doing BTECH, she didn’t know about my interest in acting. When I suddenly called her crying (with happiness) that – they’re making me a hero – She was so scared, she landed up in front of the director the next day with my Aunt…and she watched my audition tape.
Didn’t have to struggle much?
The 1st film was a struggle – it took 2-3 years. I used to search for auditions on Facebook but never crack the right film. Then Pyaar Ka Punchnama happened.
I didn’t have a portfolio, so I cropped my photos from the group pics and sent those saying – I’m the guy you’re looking for. I was a little over-confident but it worked. But even after Pyaar ka Punchnama, my name wasn’t known. People just knew me as the monologue guy, ek saas mai bol deta hai..Shankar Mahadevan type…Breatheless!
I’d done Akaash Vaani, Kaanchi before PKP2, but they didn’t work. Even in PKP2, I was the monologue boy. When Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety came, that’s when I became a household name.
On The Accusation That You’re Self-Obsessed?
When you’re young, you get stubble that’s neither here nor there. When I shaved it off for the first time, I thought I looked cool and could become a hero. I watched films too much, thinking if they can do it so can I! And that’s how it snowballed….
Got 1.5 Lakh for 1st film, now it’s 20 Crores?
20 crores, that’s just for 10 days! I did Dhamaka during Corona in 10 days and 20 crores was my remuneration. But I double the amount for my producers in 20 days!
After Bhool Bhulaiya 2, do you think you’re Hero no. 1?
I’ve believed it before that, but people are just realizing it now. But I want the audience’s love. If I am obsessed about becoming no. 1 and giving super hits…it’s for the audience and the love that they give me.
Film industry mai Shahenshah hai, Badshah hai, Bhaijaan hai…
… but Shehzada ek hi hai!
When Kartik used to stand outside SRK’s Mannat to click selfie –
That was my first day in Mumbai, actually. It was a Sunday. I’m a big SRK fan and his story inspired me so much. I landed in front of the house hoping to see him.
He exited with his car, waving at the public and I thought he saw me, I was ecstatic thinking SRK noticed me. I stood outside Galaxy too for Salman, but the public was rowdy and there was a lathi charge. I fled, escaping lathi but it was a memorable day.
My Dream Isn’t 100 Crores But 1000 Crores –
I feel like a Prince today. But I want to create my own line. My belief system is strongly based on me and that’s brought me here. If I can come from Gwalior and make it, then anyone can.
The way ahead is still long. When I stood outside Mannat, I wished to make my own Mannat too. It’s not about the money, it’s about people’s love. I feel – as my money increases, the audience’s affection for me is increasing too.
If producers are investing in me that much, I will also want to return that investment properly. And my dream isn’t 100 crores but 1000 crores!
25 din, paisa double to Producers?
That’s the truth. Look at my track record… My last 6 films out of 7 are superhit.
Sajid Nadiadwala says – Whatever he’s saying is the truth. Kartik is like a new discovery after this Covid and recession.
Superstars ban na band ho gaya hai. How did you become one without a godfather?
That’s a secret I don’t wish to reveal.
SRK says I’m the last superstar, there won’t be any after me.
Mere aage nai hoga. I don’t want to compare with anyone, I’ve been his fan and I admire SRK’s legacy. It’s the public and their love who makes Superstars. I’m lucky in that regard. The people sitting here have made me.
Jab tak log filme dekte rahenge, superstars bante rehenge. I feel proud and blessed to have such love.
Being Outsider and facing nepotism?
It was a difficult task and it took me 7-8 years to reach the same ‘room’ as them. But I feel proud about that because it makes me believe I can do anything. If I can reach here, I can do so much more looking ahead.
In every producer and director’s list – films are getting made for me, I’m not just an ‘option’ anymore.
Allegation of being unprofessional?
Besharam toh mai hu. Zaroori bhi hai. It’s important to be vocal. While the casting is going on for a film, and they want to go in a different zone, I try to take them into my zone sometimes. And it has happened also.
You stole Akshay Kumar’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2?
I didn’t steal it, I am a big fan of Akshay Kumar. These calls are taken by directors/producers…they decide who will headline the film. Like Spiderman, Batman, James Bond change….it is the call of directors and producers.
Why Akshay’s films? Hera Pheri, Housefull, you’re taking it all!
Mai lena nai chahta, but they get offered to me. Producers, and directors feel that I’ll be able to shoulder the sequel. They know how professional I am and how creatively involved I’ll be in the project.
It’s not like all sequels work. In most sequels, there’s a lot of pressure, but be it horror-comedy or romance, filmmakers think I’ll be able to blend into these films. And that’s why I get offered sequels.
BB2 is a Superhit, but you copied Akshay Kumar?
Acchi ki (copy) ya….?
I did the film in my own style, even the song was done in Rooh Baba style. I do it my way. The public verdict is final. The love I received for BB2, be it kids or adults…. they would co-splay as Rooh Baba, it was fun for me!
But I never want to copy anyone, I will try to do it my own way and go by the genre.
Targeting ‘Star-maker’ Directors? You went to Kabir Khan who made Salman’s blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and said I want to do a film with you.
Yes, I’m doing his next film – produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Maybe he thought I had potential, that’s why he cast me.
Why Did KJO Remove You From His Film?
It happens sometimes. I believe in what my Mother says – if there’s a clash between old vs young, the younger one doesn’t speak about it. Hence, I’ve never talked about it nor will I ever.
KJO alleged that – Kartik, who once used to charge 1.5 lakh is now asking for 20 crores! And leaving when he didn’t get that.
This is like Chinese whispers, the story gets changed and turns into something else. It’s not anyone’s direct quote….it gets leaked out as a ‘sourced’ story. And that make-believe is then put up in front of people
I’ve never left a film because of money. I’m greedy for scripts, not money.
Did you leave because the script got changed?
No, the pandemic happened. The script was bound to change but it didn’t happen.
KJO has now liked and even posted Shehzada trailer –
I’m happy that he liked it. I thanked him also. He’s been vocal whenever he likes something and I’m happy he liked my work in Shehzada. I hope producers keep liking my work…meri toh chandi hi chandi hai.
Did you threaten to walk out even to Shehzada producer?
If I walk out so much, then when will I work? This is again wrong news, but it got sensationalized. There was a money crisis in that project – I had to move on from that, and let go of my fees. But news ulti aayi, ki maine walk out ki dhamki di.
South vs Bollywood?
Hindi films didn’t work that much but even in the South it was those 3-4 films only that worked. There was a point when not even 1 Hindi film was working and South films were reigning. But BB2 came and broke all records then…
Kissi ki nai chali toh Kartik ki kaise chali?
Salman Sir said something to me – When your film is a hit along with other hit films, there’s no fun in that. When other films flop and yours is a hit – it becomes history!
I asked him if he was complimenting me or scaring me. But he hugged me instead.
I’m secretive so I won’t reveal why my films worked. This boy is talented, works hard, dances, acts, does comedy well….kaha hai aisa all-rounder batao? Why won’t the picture work if all these elements are there?
You’re Hero No. 1 right now but why are your films BB2, Love Aaj Kal 2, Aashiqui 3…why aren’t they 1?
They’ll become no 1 in the box office, that’s what I might be able to do.
Allegation of being Flirtatious – You get linked with all your heroines.
I like drinking coffee. Whenever anyone asks me on a date, I know they will like to have coffee, so I go out with them. I’m generous. And that news gets leaked. It’s nothing more than that. I haven’t created any record.
Even if you get spotted together, speculations arise.
Sara Ali Khan asked you first? What did you do?
I did Love Aaj Kal.
Ananya Panday wanted to date you?
I did Pati, Patni Aur Woh with her.
So whoever you’re doing a film with wants to date you?
All my dates are with the producers! I’m 100% single. I’m not with anyone. All my dates are done and now they’re locked – for the next 2 years, I’m doing work with Sajid Nadiadwala Sir. I won’t be having time to drink any coffee.
What’s your fascination with the K word – Kartik, Koki, Kartik, Kritika, Kiara (hit film co-star), current heroine Kriti?
K is lucky for me.
Even Karan Johar.
Sir, even Kabir Khan’s there!
You once said I want to have kids with Katrina Kaif?
I said that long back when she wasn’t married. It was said in a funny way – I had taken her name out of some options given to me in a game. Mere irade poore nek the.
Do you really think of yourself as a Shehzada?
There’s no doubt about it. I feel gratitude, I feel lucky for the love I receive from the fans. Sometimes I wonder jitna kaam kia hai usse zyada pyar mil raha hai. I never want them to think that the love isn’t reciprocated.
There have been some funny incidents too. Once a fan was waiting outside my house for 2-3 days. When I finally met her, she gave me a photo – in which she and I were dressed in wedding clothes. She said – You’re my husband. I didn’t know how to react.
I never thought I would receive this level of love and I never want to let down my fans.
What does your Mother say to these incidents?
First, she used to get happy. Now, even she receives phone calls, and letters like this. A fan gave her a letter once and told her – you read this letter, don’t give it to Kartik. I can do anything for him, I love him endlessly. You’re my mother-in-law!
So, this happens with her also, but now she’s used to it.
How does the starstruck boy who used to be outside Mannat feel now? Now that people throng outside his house, proclaiming their love –
I feel I must have done something right to receive such love from the people. Whenever no one supported me, my fans supported me the most. I always say I’m a fan-made Superstar, a fan-made actor.
I feel they love me because I am one of them, I came from the people and I represent their dreams.
Sajid Nadiadwala Says People Will Remember Kartik For 8000 Years!
Sajid Nadiadwala concludes by saying –Someone asked how did Kartik become a Superstar without a godfather? He is someone who has mentioned his parents 39 times in this one hour… he doesn’t need a godfather. He’s fit for the industry – smart, and honest. He’s changed the meaning of ‘coffee’ in the Oxford dictionary. He’s not as innocent as he looks. I think he’ll go a long way.
It took 8 years for people to recognize him, but his name will be remembered for 8000 years now.