Kartik Aaryan will then be seen in Luka Chuppi. Luka Chuppi in your hometown, Gwalior?
I did not know that I would be shooting in a place where my journey had begun, where I dreamed of becoming an actor. It's surreal that I shoot in my neighborhood. I went every Sunday to Fort Gwalior with friends and I thought 'Banhi actor Kabhi'. My message to anyone trying to reach Bollywood is to work your craft, because that's what will ultimately help you succeed. Second, do not be discouraged by rejection.
How is Luka Chuppi different from the other roles you have held?
The biggest difference in this film is the character of Guddu, journalist at Mathura. If you look at my character in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), he has some negativity about it. Guddu is a boy from a small town who does the right thing. Because of his gender, he finds himself stuck in hilarious situations.
Do you see yourself as an underdog in Bollywood?
I am an outsider, I did not know anyone in the industry when I had my break. Even after Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), I've never tried to integrate myself into the community, but I've always had respect for others. Succeeding my first big break was the hardest part. Until Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety is known to the characters I was playing. This film was like my raise.
In Luka Chuppi, you play a character in a life relationship. What is your vision of relationships?
I am in school this way. Every time I start a relationship, I think I will eventually get married to that person. You want a partner with whom you can share everything in life.
Your latest movie hit the 100 Rs crore mark. What do box office success mean to you?
I want all my films to be profitable for producers and distributors. The film must not lose money. After that, I do not take the pressure for the numbers. However, I would be lying if I said that I am not happy that Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety reaches the crore of 100 Rs.
How do you handle rejection?
I had to stay focused. For auditions, I walked the city up and down and waited for long queues for hours before being rejected. They often rejected you just by looking at your face. In spite of that, I am happy that all the hard work has paid off.
Luka Chuppi published Friday