Kartik Aaryan Reveals He Continued To Live With 12 Flatmates Despite Doing 3 Films, Cropped Himself From Group Photos For Portfolio

Kartik Aaryan is a one of the most popular emerging stars in Bollywood and the success the actor enjoys today certainly never came overnight. The Gwalior boy has seen his own share of struggles ever since he decided to be an actor after watching Shah Rukh Khan’s Baazigar, be it convincing his parents of what he wants to do or relocating to Mumbai and struggling to land projects.

The actor is now gearing up for his second film of the year Pati Patni Aur Woh and has been busy with promotions. Kartik, however, shared his story of making it in Bollywood with Humans of Bombay and it is one that will truly touch your heart.

Talking about his passion for being a Bollywood actor Kartik said, “In 9th grade, I saw Baazigar & I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the screen. I was unsure of my parents’ reaction—so I decided to study till 12th in Gwalior & then go to college in Mumbai. Luckily I got into a college in Navi Mumbai. I stayed in a hostel & searched for auditions. I had no contacts, so I’d type keywords like, ‘Actor Needed’ on Facebook. I’d travel for 6 hours 3-4 times a week for auditions. At times, I’d be rejected from outside the studio because I didn’t ‘look the part’.”

He continued to talk about his struggles and revealed how even after three films he was still living in flat he shared with 12 boys. “I couldn’t even afford a portfolio—I’d crop my face out of group photos to send to agents! All the while I’d skip college to give auditions & my parents didn’t know about any of this.”

“After 2 & a half years of struggle, what I had imagined as a possibility, was now a reality. After Pyaar Ka Punchama, there still weren’t many opportunities. I stayed in the same flat with 12 boys till my third film! At the time, my mom was adamant I finish my degree, so while shooting, I gave my exams—& people in the exam hall were clicking photos with me! But I understood that she wanted my future to be secure. After Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, it all changed! Life has come full circle now—recently when I was in Gwalior, I was invited to my school as chief guest & kids were chanting my name! It was surreal!”, he added.

Kartik Aaryan’s life indeed changed when in 2018 his film Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety went on to earn 100 crores at the Bollywood box –office and everyone wanted to cast him in a movie. The actor saw success again with Luka Chuppi and is now looking forward to projects including Pati Patni Aur Woh, Aaj Kal, Bhool Bulaiya 2, and Dostana 2.