HT Brunch Cover Story: Small town, big dreams

For actor Kartik Aaryan, the first challenge was to not let his small town allow his dreams to dissolve in the face of being too ambitious

Scene: A small town somewhere in India. It is the ’90s. The town’s lone movie theatre is screening that month’s hottest release, Baazigar. A boy sitting in the audience, flanked by his parents and sister, is mesmerised by the wicked charm of Vicky Malhotra, played by Shah Rukh Khan. He is not the only one. The entire nation is smitten by this dimpled hero. And like most kids his age, this boy wants to be SRK!

Kartik says, “I would always watch new releases at theatres or movies on television. I was so much in love with that world that I desperately wanted to be a part of it. It started with the dream to become a hero”; Styled by Eshaa Amiin; Make-up by Vicky Salvi; Hair by Milan Kepchari; Shirt by Suket Dhir; Denim jacket and jeans by Dhruv Kapoor; Shoes by Nike from House Of Grailz; Rings by Inox Jewelry (The House of Pixels)

(Clockwise from left) A still from his latest film and biggest hit yet; a picture from the early days of his career; Kartik and his mother Mala Tiwari in a throwback shot he posted on Mother’s Day

Kartik says, “Being from a small town not only makes me strive harder to reach the number one spot, but also keeps me grounded”; Sweatshirt by Huemn;Shirt by Zara; Denim jacket by Dhruv Kapoor; Jeans by Zara; Shoes by Nike from House Of Grailz; Rings by Inox Jewelry (The House of Pixels)

Kartik on the cover of HT Brunch in May 2020

Kartik says, “I have always worked towards turning my weaknesses into my biggest strengths. But if I can represent the middle-class characters, I think I can play the urban hero as well!”; Outfit by Line Outline; Shoes by Christian Louboutin (The House of Pixels)

A timeline of Kartik Aryan’s journey

Kartik says, “I believe in manifesting. If I want something, I give it my 100 per cent. I am never scared of hard work. I want to give everything my best shot so I won’t have any regrets later about not trying”; Hoodie by Hophead Apparel; Pants by Rising Among;Shoes by Christian Louboutin (The House of Pixels)