Bollywood's rising star Kartik Aaryan was in Kolkata on Wednesday to promote his upcoming film Shehzada, which co-stars Kriti Sanon. In a candid conversation with IBNS correspondent Souvik Ghosh, Kartik speaks on 'Pathaan' effect on Shehzada, his turning into producer and more...

Excerpts

Q. You have created a certain image and persona over the years. How challenging is it to maintain it?

A. I have been myself from the first day onwards, so it was not tough. I didn't have to enact something. I will be myself in the coming days as well. The situation has definitely changed. My struggles have changed too in their own way. But as we grow, we tend to get surrounded by 'yes' men more. This kind of struggle has developed.

Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

So I try to keep a check and ensure that I am not surrounded by 'yes men' and 'yes sirs'. Otherwise, I am still learning and there is a long way to go and a lot of hard work to be done. I don't shy away from hard work and I will keep doing that.

Q. Shehzada is releasing in the wake of Pathaan's mammoth success. Do you fear 'Pathaan' hangover in the audience's mind may overshadow your film?

A. No. I feel we have made a good film which will automatically be loved by the audience. The (positive) word of mouth will give strength to the film. I don't think our film will be overshadowed. It's a good thing that Pathaan has wonderfully worked in the box office. The way Pathaan has garnered a historic box office number is good for the industry. I hope its success will inspire people more to visit the theatres (cinema halls).

Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Q. Why did you don the producer's hat at this age?

A. Actually a crisis had developed at one point during the filmmaking. Someone had to step in to solve it. So I took the decision to co-produce the film. However, I am seeing this film as an actor only.

Q. There is a dig at nepotism in the film. Do you still fear it?

A. Not at all. It is very natural that people who come from outside the industry have to work doubly hard. Apart from this, I don't want to dissect it. I would never want it (my journey/success) in any other way. Even if I had to repeat my entire journey, I would go this way only.

Kartik Aaryan (L) and Kriti Sanon (L) | Image Credit: Instagram/Kartik Aaryan

Q. Your on-screen chemistry with Kriti Sanon is getting stronger!

A. It's amazing! I, as well as the audience, love it. This is the first time we are working together after Luka Chuppi. I hope people love it as much as they did during Luka Chuppi.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS and Instagram/Kartik Aaryan)