One of Hindi cinema’s most-sought-after leading actors, Kartik Aaryan sparkles on the cover of Femina’s October 2024 edition. From growing up in a small town in Madhya Pradesh to becoming a household name across the country, his journey in the world of entertainment is inspiring. A 14-year-old Kartik Tiwari once stood at the Gwalior fort, looking over the city and dreamed of conquering the world. Years later, as Kartik Aaryan, he made his breakthrough with Pyaar Ka Punchnama, winning hearts with his now-iconic monologue on relationships. From playing a charming Sonu in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and a loving Guddu in Luka Chuppi to portraying an endearing Chintu Tyagi in Pati Patni Aur Woh and a hysterical Rooh Baba in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kartik’s versatile performances have not only garnered critical acclaim but also broken the box office. Affectionately called ‘Koki’ by his family, Kartik often credits his success to his humble beginnings and the support of his close-knit family, who have kept him grounded amid the glitz and glamour of Mumbai. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.Emphasising the importance of kindness, Kartik highlights, “I want people to remember me as a kind person, as someone who worked hard and stayed humble. If I can leave behind a legacy of kindness, that, for me, would be success.”Reflecting on how his definition of success has evolved, Kartik adds, “Success, initially, was about seeing my face on the big screen, then it became about box office numbers and critical acclaim. But now, I feel success is more personal. It’s about feeling fulfilled with the work I do, seeing growth in myself.”Kartik takes pride in his grounded, simple lifestyle. He shares, “I live with my parents in the same apartment. I don’t smoke or drink. I go to my sets and return home. That’s my life, very simple.”Speaking about the roles he looks for, Kartik says, “Acting, for me, is about discovery. If I feel like I’m doing the same thing again, it becomes boring…. (Now) I get more opportunities than before. Filmmakers are able to see me in diverse roles now. I need that ‘risk ka tadka’ – to step outside my comfort zone.”Reflecting on how his films deal with human relationships, Kartik muses, “My own perception of love allows me to bring something real to my performances. People connect to the emotions, and I feel honoured to be able to express feelings on screen that resonate with the audience.”To learn more about Kartik Aaryan’s life and career, log on to Femina.in and Femina’s page on Instagram, Facebook, and X.