Kartik Aaryan is on a roll with roles and with each performance firmly establishes his acting prowess. From his debut role in 2011’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama, the young actor has continued to impress. In 2024, he starred in the critically acclaimed Chandu Champion and the recently released Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
In this special interview with Subhash K Jha, Kartik delved into the experience of reprising his role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, working with Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan, and more.
Did you think BB3 would be able to live up to the humongous public expectations?
This franchise has always been a complete family entertainer, and this time, the quotient of everything has multiplied. There are some surprise elements as well (Laughs). It has something for everyone in the family, be it kids or adults. We’ve worked hard as a team to ensure that the audience is fully satisfied with the entertainment value.
How would you compare Part 2 and 3? Same character, but how different?
There’s no comparison. It’s a new story that keeps the soul of the franchise intact. This time, we’ve brought even more entertainment. Rooh Baba is creating more laugh riots in different situations. Plus, there are new characters being introduced in the franchise, which adds to the intrigue.
What was it like working with the formidable Madhuri Dixit and Vidya Balan?
It was like a dream. They are truly among the finest actors and icons of Hindi cinema, and I learned so much from them. You know, people wait their entire careers for an opportunity to work with Madhuri Ma’am and Vidya Ma’am, and I got to work with them together in one film. It’s a milestone in my filmography. They’re so much fun to work with. When they were shooting the ‘Ami Je Tomar’ song, I would just be on set to watch them dance together. They’re magical.
Prior to this, you did an intense turn in Chandu Champion. Did the comedy help you unwind after the intense role?
In many ways, yes. Chandu Champion was a very intense character with a completely different shade that required a specific mindset. Then, stepping into Rooh Baba, who is a more humorous character, gave me a chance to step out of the intensity that I carried with me while playing Murlikant Petkar. But as an actor, having both these characters come out in the same year feels extremely satisfying and joyous.
Tell me about your next project?
I will start shooting for Anurag (Basu) sir’s film right after the release of BB3. It’s an intense love story, and I’m super excited to go on that journey. Anurag sir is one filmmaker I really look up to, and I can’t wait to work under his direction.
