Kartik Aaryan on allegations of hijacking the success of Luka Chuppi: ‘A film is always teamwork, happy we all could make a successful film’

Earlier this week, Kartik Aaryan witnessed what he describes as a “scary and powerful” dust storm, from close quarters in Udaipur. But on the other hand, the actor has been enjoying the waves created by a string of his movies at the box office. After Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety’s runaway success last year, his latest film Luka Chuppi has now completed 50 days in theatres (till date the film has made over ₹95 crore in India).

“I feel what’s working for my films is the audiences’ connect with them,” says Kartik, who is busy shooting in Udaipur for Imtiaz Ali’s yet-untitled film. Excerpts from an interview:

You must be delighted that your film, Luka Chuppi, has completed 50 days in theatres.
It’s a great feeling to have a film, which hasn’t been just appreciated but also delivered at the box office. On top of that, it’s a special feeling to see that the film is still running and completed 50 days in theatres. As an actor, it gives you validation that people are enjoying what you are doing. That’s why they’re going back to theatres to watch your work again. Really happy about it.

Also read: Kriti Sanon, Kartik Aaryan put an end to reports of a rift, discuss a party to celebrate Luka Chuppi’s success

Vis-à-vis the credit you are getting for Luka Chuppi’s success, your co-star Kriti Sanon has said that it’s unfair how the leading ladies are overlooked, and that the credit should be equally shared…
If this was the case, then there wouldn’t be iconic pairings such as Dilip saab-Madhubalaji, Amitabh sir-Rekha ma’am, Kajol ma’am-SRK sir, and in recent times, Alia-Varun. A film is always teamwork and it belongs to everyone who has worked on it, each and every person who has been a part of the wonderful journey. This film equally belongs to Pankajji [Tripathi], Aparshakti Khurana, Vinayji [Pathak], Kriti [Sanon], Dinoo [Dinesh Vijan; producer], Laxman sir [Utekar; director] and me. I have amazing memories of the film and I’m happy we all could make a successful film.

This is your fourth film to achieve such a feat. You must be used to it by now?
I don’t know if I am used to it or not but it gives you more confidence as an actor to continue with what you’re doing. A friend from the trade world mentioned to me that this is my fourth film which has had a 50-day run in theatres, after the Pyaar Ka Punchnaama series and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. Nowadays, you get to know a film’s destiny in the first weekend itself. I am thrilled.

You must have received a lot of compliments for Luka Chuppi. Which has been the most special one?
Luka Chuppi’s success has given me a lot – lots of love from the audience as well as tonnes of compliments but the best one – which no one knows about – has been from [Amitabh] Bachchan sir. It’s the best compliment I ever received. Yeh mere liye sabse badi baat hai ki Bachchan sir texted me [that] the film was structured and that my performance was good. I remember I was so delighted and on cloud nine when I got his message saying that he loved the film and my performance. Honestly, I feel like framing that message and I will do that (laughs).

Next month you complete eight years in the industry, at a time when you are doing extremely well. How are you dealing with all the attention and stardom?
I am just in a happy state right now. I’m really passionate about acting. So, I am trying to do more work but am also aware that it should be different and quality stuff. It has taken me a lot of time to be where I am right now, and I still have a long way to go. But there’s always a feeling of gratitude. For me, the idea is to be attached to my audience. So, it’s not as if I have changed my approach to work or the way I am personally. I am just enjoying the process of working with different filmmakers or the kind of scripts that I want to take up.

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