Bollywood is a treasure trove of talent, and one name that has been making waves in recent years is none other than Kartik Aaryan. With his boy-next-door charm, impeccable comic timing, and versatile acting skills, Kartik has captured the hearts of audiences across the nation. From delivering memorable monologues in the "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" series to essaying complex characters in films like "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2," he has proven his place in the world of Indian cinema. But who is Kartik Aaryan behind the glitz and glamour of the silver screen? Here, we will delve into the life, career, and rise to fame of this talented Bollywood actor. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise, we will explore the journey of Kartik Aaryan, the star who has become a household name in the industry.
Early Life
Kartik Aaryan, originally known as Kartik Tiwari, is a prominent Bollywood actor known for his charming on-screen presence and impeccable comic timing. Born on November 22, 1990, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Kartik hails from a family of doctors. His father, Dr. Manish Tiwari, is a paediatrician, while his mother, Dr. Mala Tiwari, is a gynaecologist. Despite being raised in an environment focused on medicine, Kartik nurtured a hidden passion for acting. While pursuing his engineering degree in biotechnology at D. Y. Patil College of Engineering in Navi Mumbai, he would often skip classes to attend auditions. His determination to pursue a career in the film industry led him to make these sacrifices, even though his aspirations remained secret at the time.
During his university years, Kartik ventured into the world of modelling, which allowed him to showcase his striking looks and charisma. Despite his success in the modelling industry, his true calling was acting, and he dreamed of making it big on the silver screen. After three years of facing numerous rejections during auditions for films, he decided to sharpen his skills by enrolling in an acting course at the Kreating Charakters Institute.
Kartik's dedication and hard work paid off when he finally got his big break in the film industry. However, he chose to reveal his desire to become an actor to his parents only after signing his first film. His family, being supportive of his dreams, embraced his decision and stood by him throughout his journey. In 2011, Kartik made his Bollywood debut with the film "Pyaar Ka Punchnama”. The film's success helped him gain a foothold in the industry and opened doors to further opportunities.
Bollywood Journey
From a young aspiring actor with a hidden passion to a sought-after Bollywood star, Kartik Aaryan's journey serves as an inspiration to many. His determination, talent, and infectious personality have made him a beloved figure in the world of Indian cinema, and he continues to captivate audiences with his performances on the big screen.
The Beginnings
Kartik Aaryan's career in Bollywood began with his breakthrough role in the film "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" in 2011. While still in his third year of college, Kartik stumbled upon a casting call for the film on Facebook. Intrigued by the opportunity, he auditioned for the role over a span of six months and eventually secured the part. At that time, he faced financial constraints and resided in an apartment with 12 other aspiring actors, cooking meals for them to earn money. "Pyaar Ka Punchnama" revolved around the romantic challenges faced by three young men, with Kartik playing one of the leads. His character delivered a four-minute monologue, which became one of the longest single shots ever done in a Hindi film up to that point. Kartik's energetic and humorous performance in the monologue garnered critical acclaim and earned him a nomination for the Producers Guild Film Award for Best Male Debut.
Following the success of "Pyaar Ka Punchnama," Kartik completed his engineering degree under his mother's insistence. He returned to the big screen in 2013 in the romantic drama "Akaash Vani", once again collaborating with director Luv Ranjan and co-star Nushrat Bharucha. The film portrayed the struggles faced by the titular lovers, who are separated when Vani is forced into an abusive marriage. Subsequently, Kartik was cast in Subhash Ghai's directorial venture, "Kaanchi" in 2014. Despite having a brief role in the film, Kartik eagerly accepted the opportunity to work with Subhash Ghai. While the film received mixed reviews, Kartik's screen presence and potential as a mainstream Bollywood actor were appreciated by critics. Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV acknowledged his strong presence and glimpses of the qualities required to excel as a romantic hero.
However, both "Akaash Vani" and "Kaanchi" did not fare well commercially, leading Kartik to question his prospects in the film industry. Despite the setbacks, his talent and determination fuelled his desire to prove himself as an actor. Little did he know that more significant opportunities were just around the corner, and his career would soon witness a remarkable upswing.
The Struggle
In 2015, Kartik starred in the comedy sequel "Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2," reprising his role from the original film. This instalment, directed by Luv Ranjan, retained some of the original cast members, including Kartik and Nushrat Bharucha, while also introducing new actors Omkar Kapoor and Sunny Singh. Kartik's standout performance included a seven-minute single-shot monologue, which earned him critical acclaim. The film was a major box office success, earning over ₹880 million against a budget of ₹220 million. For his portrayal, Kartik received the Stardust Award for Best Actor In A Comic Role.
The following year, Kartik took on a different project, starring in Tanuja Chandra's short film "Silvat" as a young Muslim boy who falls in love with an older woman. The film was part of the Zeal For Unity initiative, aiming to bridge cultural barriers between India and Pakistan. Although known for his comedic roles, Kartik embraced this opportunity to showcase his versatility. In 2017, he appeared in "Guest iin London" alongside Paresh Rawal and Kriti Kharbanda, a comedy revolving around a troubled young couple facing unwelcome guests. Some scenes in the film were improvised on set. However, the movie failed to perform commercially well.
The Success
Kartik's breakthrough moment arrived in 2018 when he collaborated with director Luv Ranjan and co-stars Nushrat Bharucha and Sunny Singh once again for "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety." The film follows the story of Sonu (Kartik), who conspires to separate his best friend Titu (Sunny) from his fiancée Sweety (Nushrat), suspecting her of being a gold digger. Despite facing criticism for its portrayal of women, the film became Kartik's biggest success, grossing ₹1.5 billion. Kartik defended the film against accusations of misogyny, stating that portraying negative female characters did not equate to misogyny any more than casting men as villains equated to misandry. For his remarkable performance, he received the Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role.
The success of "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" provided Kartik Aaryan with a broader range of roles to choose from. In 2019, he starred in "Luka Chuppi," a satirical take on live-in relationships in small-town India. Set in Kartik's hometown of Gwalior, the film aimed to address social issues through comedy. Sharing the screen with Kriti Sanon, Kartik embraced this light-hearted yet socially conscious project. He then appeared in the comedy "Pati Patni Aur Woh," a remake of the 1978 film of the same name, alongside Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday. Kartik played the role originally portrayed by Sanjeev Kumar, portraying a philandering husband. Both "Luka Chuppi" and "Pati Patni Aur Woh" proved to be commercial successes, and Kartik won his second consecutive Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for the latter.
During this particular career phase, Kartik Aaryan displayed his comedic talents and demonstrated his ability to choose diverse roles. He garnered recognition and acclaim for his performances, solidifying his position as one of Bollywood's rising stars.
A Slight Setback
In 2020, Kartik’s sole film release was Imtiaz Ali's romantic drama "Love Aaj Kal," which served as a spiritual successor to Ali's 2009 film of the same name. He played dual roles, young men in 1990 and 2020, opposite Arushi Sharma and Sara Ali Khan, respectively. He dedicated himself to embodying the distinct mannerisms and body language of each character to set them apart. Despite receiving praise for his portrayal of the shyness and awkwardness of his characters, Kartik faced criticism for lacking a brooding quality and simmering intensity in certain scenes. The film, unfortunately, turned out to be a box office bomb.
In a subsequent development, Kartik Aaryan was cast by Dharma Productions in the comedy sequel "Dostana 2." However, after shooting for 20 days, he was unexpectedly fired from the project. Reports from Bollywood Hungama indicated that creative differences between Kartik and producer Karan Johar were the reason behind this decision. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the production company would not collaborate with Kartik Aaryan in the future. This incident marked a significant setback for the him.
In 2021, Kartik starred in Ram Madhvani's thriller "Dhamaka," a remake of the Korean film "The Terror Live" (2013). Notably, the entire film was shot in just 10 days, showcasing the actor's dedication and efficiency. Released on Netflix, "Dhamaka" presented Kartik in a dark and against-type performance, which was well-received by audiences and critics.
This particular phase of Kartik Aaryan's life involved both highs and lows. While he faced disappointment with the commercial failure of "Love Aaj Kal" and the unexpected departure from "Dostana 2," he showcased his versatility and acting prowess in "Dhamaka." As with any actor's journey, these experiences contributed to his growth, resilience, and the evolution of his career in the dynamic world of Bollywood.
The Rising Star
In 2022, Kartik starred in Anees Bazmee's horror comedy "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" alongside Tabu and Kiara Advani. During the filming of the climax sequence, Kartik temporarily lost his voice. Despite that, "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" emerged as Kartik's highest-grossing release, earning over ₹2.6 billion worldwide. He won the Zee Cine Critics Award for Best Actor - Male and received a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film.
Following this success, Kartik Aaryan took on the titular role in the psychological thriller "Freddy," where he portrayed a socially awkward dentist with a dark past. To prepare for the role, he gained 14 kilograms, observed a real-life dentist at work, and lived in isolation. Kartik's portrayal in "Freddy" received positive reviews, with critics from India Today and Hindustan Times appreciating his departure from his usual comic and romantic image.
In 2023, Kartik starred in the remake of the Telugu action film "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo" (2020), titled "Shehzada." When the film's producers faced a financial crisis, Kartik demonstrated his dedication by returning his salary and being credited as a producer. Unfortunately, "Shehzada" turned out to be a critical and commercial failure.
Despite the ups and downs, Kartik Aaryan's fame has remained intact. His performances in successful films like "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2" and "Freddy" have solidified his position as a bankable actor in the industry. With his upcoming project "Satyaprem Ki Katha," reuniting him with Kiara Advani in a romantic drama, Kartik continues to captivate audiences and make a mark in the world of Bollywood.
Movie List
| # | Movie Name | Releasing Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pyaar Ka Punchnama | 2011 |
| 2 | Akaash Vani | 2013 |
| 3 | Kaanchi: The Unbreakable | 2014 |
| 4 | Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 | 2015 |
| 5 | Silvat | 2016 |
| 6 | Guest iin London | 2017 |
| 7 | Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety | 2018 |
| 8 | Luka Chuppi | 2019 |
| 9 | Pati Patni Aur Woh | 2019 |
| 10 | Love Aaj Kal | 2020 |
| 11 | Dhamaka | 2021 |
| 12 | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 | 2022 |
| 13 | Freddy | 2022 |
| 14 | Shehzada | 2023 |
Awards and Achievements
| # | Award Name | Receiving Year | Received For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stardust Award for Best Actor In A Comic Role | 2016 | Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 |
| 2 | Big Star Entertainment Award for Most Entertaining Ensemble Cast | 2016 | Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 |
| 3 | PETA India Award for Hottest Vegetarian Celebrity | 2018 | — |
| 4 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Dynamic Performer Award | 2019 | Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety |
| 5 | Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role | 2019 | Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety |
| 6 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards India for Entertainer of the Year | 2019 | — |
| 7 | Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role | 2020 | Pati Patni Aur Woh |
| 8 | Pinkvilla Style Icons Award for Super Stylish Actor (Male) | 2022 | — |
| 9 | Zee Cine Award for Best Actor | 2023 | Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 |
| 10 | Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Award for Most Stylish Leading Star (Male) | 2023 | — |
Other
Apart from his acting career, Kartik is also associated with several brands and products. He endorses Hummel International, a sportswear brand, Emami Fair And Handsome Cream, and the Manyavar clothing brand. This demonstrates his popularity and influence in the world of advertising and endorsements. Kartik has also showcased his hosting skills by co-hosting prominent award shows. He shared the stage as a host with Ayushmann Khurrana at the 2018 IIFA Awards and with Vicky Kaushal. at the 2019 Zee Cine Awards.
Kartik’s involvement in philanthropic activities is notable as well. He joined the All Stars Football Club in 2016, an organization that organizes charity football matches. In 2017, he participated in a tournament held in New Delhi, along with other celebrities like Ranbir Kapoor. However, he had to withdraw from the club's tournament in Singapore in 2018 due to a toe injury suffered during practice. Kartik has also used his platform to raise awareness about environmental issues. On World Environment Day in 2018, he campaigned against plastic pollution. Moreover, he was appointed by the Election Commission of India to raise awareness about voter participation in Madhya Pradesh, his home state.
Kartik Aaryan's popularity among the public and his desirability as a celebrity have been recognized by various media outlets. In 2018, The Times of India ranked him eighth in their list of the country's most desirable men. He held the 12th position in the subsequent two years. Kartik was also featured in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list in 2019, where he secured the 67th rank. In 2021, he was placed 20th in Duff & Phelps's ranking of the country's most valuable celebrity brands, further showcasing his prominence and market value.
Wrapping Up
Kartik Aaryan has undoubtedly made a significant impact in the world of Bollywood and beyond. From his impressive debut in "Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2" to his box office successes in films like "Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2," he has showcased his versatility and acting prowess. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, romance, and intense roles has garnered him a loyal fan base and established him as a bankable actor in the industry. Beyond his on-screen performances, Kartik's brand endorsements and philanthropic endeavours have further solidified his stature. Whether it is raising awareness about environmental issues or promoting voter participation, he has utilized his platform to make a positive impact on society. With his charismatic presence, relatable charm, and dedication to his craft, Kartik Aaryan continues to captivate audiences and carve a unique niche for himself in Bollywood.
