Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety actor Kartik Aaryan: Now, people are calling me a ‘hot-chocolate boy’

Kartik Aaryan is most remembered for his monologue scenes in the Pyaar Ka Punchnama series. This Friday, he reunites with director Luv Ranjan for the fourth time for Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS), in which romance is up against bromance. We catch up with Kartik for a candid chat on love, relationships, and films. The actor, who is usually hesitant to talk about his private life, finally admits for the first time that he’s in love. Read on...

This is your fourth film with Luv. So, you must be sharing a special bond with him?

Absolutely. I’m really lucky that after a lot of struggle, when I finally got my first film, it was with Luv sir. He was also making his directorial debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP). We share a unique bond and are possessive about each other. We are like the real life Sonu-Titu (laughs). I’m extremely happy with the response our films have generated.

Do you remember the first time you met him?

Yes, it was during the audition for PKP. I would bunk college every day and travel from Navi Mumbai to town to give my auditions. For the longest time, I hadn’t informed my family that I aspired to become an actor. I would just keep a change of clothes for different auditions. The day I went for the PKP audition, there were almost 50-60 other people. And they made me wait till the end so I was wondering what was happening. But they liked my audition. However, they weren’t completely sure of casting me because Luv sir thought ki yeh college student hai, kabhi film chhodke bhaag gaya toh (laughs). That was the biggest dilemma and it went on for six months before they signed me. But when I met Luv sir, I could sense that he was clear about what he wanted. I knew that if I got the film, I would be in good hands.

But have both of you reached a point where you don’t need a script or narration anymore?

Yes. I don’t think I’ve ever asked Luv sir for a script or a narration. I know whatever he will design, will be good for me. We trust each other. He’s the one who launched me and he will always do justice to my role in the film.

Of late, you have been flaunting a chiselled physique. Is this prompted by the urge to break the ‘chocolate boy’ image that people associate you with?

Earlier, they used to call me ‘chocolate boy’. Now, due to my look in SKTKS, people are calling me a ‘hot-chocolate boy’ (laughs). So, there has been a definite transition in me over  the years because I started so young and everyone had a certain perception about me. Today, I can wear certain kinds of clothes which are trendy (smiles). I’m happy with all the compliments that are coming my way.

Your last film (PKP2) did over Rs 70 crore business and SKTKS also looks good. But do you ever feel that you haven’t got your due yet?

On the contrary, I think I’ve got much more than what I could ever imagine. But I understand what you’re trying to say. It’s got a lot more to do with PR. The industry has really accepted me, but many people still don’t know how big PKP 2 was. I’ve never been a PR-savvy person, but I’m trying to work on that. I have realised that it’s extremely important to do a certain kind of PR to create a buzz around you. There are some actors whose films haven’t worked, but they are still talked about.

On the other hand, the audience has supported me. Whatever is happening is surreal. Eventually, when people want to think of the last time they clapped in the theatre, they will definitely remember the PKP monologue (smiles). I’ve my audience, which many actors don’t have. So, I’ve no regrets.

Sonu Ke... is about bromance versus romance. Have you faced a similar situation in real life where you had to pick between your friend and girlfriend?

In real life, I have faced such a situation many times. There have been occasions when I was actually Sonu in real life and thought my friend’s partner is not the correct choice for him. I was proved right later on. I have been Titu, too, where I had to choose between my best friend and my girlfriend. In fact, both of them were girls (smiles) and they didn’t get along. My best friend thought my girlfriend wasn’t good for me and she was right! The friend won as I had a break-up. This was way before I entered the film industry.

Have you ever regretted any of your relationships?

Yes, I have. I’ve faced a lot of struggle and been a victim of backstabbing. You experience all kinds of things in life and you move on. When you look back, you feel stupid to be with those people at that point of time, but it’s okay.

How have these experiences changed you as a person?

Earlier, I used to be over-friendly but now, I take a lot of time to trust someone. I like this version of myself (smiles). But deep inside, I’m still the same romantic person at heart. I’m not anti-love even if my film shows me like that. I try to woo the person whom I love. Even a good morning call to start the day is good enough for me.

Are you in love now?

Yes, I’m in a relationship but I don’t want to divulge any details.