Kartik Aaryan celebrates Valentine’s Day with Bombay Times
‘The best love stories are born after a heartbreak’
He won over young fans with his perfectly delivered monologues in romcoms like Pyaar Ka Punchnama and Pati Patni Aur Woh, and then, Kartik Aaryan went on to become the charming face of tongue-twisting movie titles like Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and the upcoming Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri (try saying that fast on a loop). The actor’s take on love, however, is anything but complicated. When it comes to matters of the heart, Rooh baba is refreshingly real. Bombay Times exclusively caught up with one of B-Town’s most eligible bachelors on Valentine’s Day, and quizzed him on love,
modern dating
, relationship, situationship and everything in between. Read on…
What do you think of Valentine’s Day? Do you believe in the concept of a soulmate?
I think Valentine’s Day is a sweet celebration of love, but honestly, if you truly love someone, every day should feel special. As for
soulmates
– yes, I’d like to believe there’s someone out there who just gets you. But I also think love is about effort and growing together, rather than waiting for the perfect person to show up. Relationships aren’t fairy tales, but they do have their own magic when two people make an effort.
How different are you as a person when single as opposed to when you are in a relationship?
When I’m single, my life is all about the hustle – shoots, promotions, scripts, gym and late-night binge-watching. But If I were in a relationship, my world would revolve around that one person. I’m always busy making that person feel special every moment. I become that person who texts khaana khaya kya? a hundred times a day, plans surprise dates, and cancels night-outs with friends just to spend time with her. I still don’t know how to balance things out (laughs).
Kartik Aaryan
From Pyaar Ka Punchnama to Love Aaj Kal 2, Luka Chuppi to Satyaprem Ki Katha, and now a rather intense musical with Anurag Basu – does the choice of these films reflect your evolution as a lover, too? Are you more serious about finding love today?
Every film I’ve done has shown different shades of love – some fun, some intense, some heartbreaking. And just like my characters, I’ve evolved too. I think romance has always been my strong suit, and I’m grateful filmmakers see that, too. And honestly, my approach to relationships in real life helps me bring out the best on screen, too. It’s all connected, and it always reflects. Audiences and fans only connect with us as performers when we are able to bring that authenticity to our characters. You will see an intense, never-seen-before side of me in Basu da’s musical love story and then you will see me playing a fun, yet, a character with gravitas in Sameer Vidwans’ Tu Mera Main Teri, Main Tera Tu Meri. 2025 is shaping up to be a romantic year for me.
How integral were Bollywood movies in shaping your perception of love? Growing up, were you a Shah Rukh Khan and Yash Chopra fan?
Bollywood definitely shaped my idea of romance. I grew up watching Shah Rukh Khan spreading his arms and making it look so effortless. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Mohabbatein, Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, all those films made love feel larger than life and magical. And yes, I’m a huge SRK and Yash Chopra fan. Who isn’t?
We all go through heartbreak, and some of us, even unrequited love. How do you heal from a heartbreak?
I’m a diehard romantic, on screen and off screen. I don’t rush the process. I let myself feel everything, but I also make sure to channel my emotions into something productive, whether it’s work, fitness, or spending time with friends and family. I think the key is to surround yourself with love in different forms—whether it’s from your close ones, your passion, or even your pet. And some of the best love stories are born after a heartbreak.
Kartik Aaryan
What’s your love language, and what, according to you, is the true definition of love?
For me, love is about effort, consistency, honesty and showing up for the person you care about. It’s not just about grand gestures but also the little. My love language is a mix of quality time and acts of service. I believe in being present, in making life easier and happier for the person I love.
What’s your take on the modern dating culture of situationships and no-strings-attached relationships?
I’m a diehard romantic. Love is a pure, in-depth emotion, and I feel there is no place for practicality when you are in love. I understand that times are changing rapidly, and our dating culture is also evolving with it. People have different ways of expressing love, and that’s okay. Personally, I believe in something more meaningful and long-term rather than just fleeting connections.
What does a ‘green flag’ mean to you in a relationship?
For me, a real green flag is feeling secure, not just in yourself but also in your partner’s success and achievements. No one’s perfect, but what really matters is appreciating and supporting each other. At the end of the day, if you truly love someone, you should be their biggest cheerleader.
You often talk about your bond with your mother and sister. How has growing up around strong women shaped your perspective on love and relationships?
Everything I am today because of them. Watching my mother’s resilience and my sister’s strength has taught me what true love and respect mean. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, and that has influenced the way I treat people, especially women. I believe love should be built on mutual respect, support, and understanding – just like the bond I share with them.
