Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety actor Kartik Aaryan on his Holi memories: We used to throw people in the mud

Kartik Aaryan is on cloud nine. His latest release Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) has not only set the cash registers ringing but the young actor’s performance as an over-possessive friend in the romcom has also been praised by the audience. After Hrs catches up with him for a fun chat. Excerpts…

With SKTKS working well at the box office, you must be extremely happy?

Of course, I am. I think this film is the turning point of my career. What is happening right now is surreal. Bahut alag feeling hai. I had expected it to do well but the kind of success that it’s turning out to be is outstanding.

This is a major boost for your career...

The reason I am an actor is because I have faith in myself. Star ki tarah toh main nahin sochta tha, but I was always keen to make my own journey. I wanted to take small steps but SKTKS has turned out to be a major step in my career. I can’t talk about the star status, only time will tell. But the kind of response the film is getting is speaking for itself. I’m really happy. I don’t think about any league. Everything is just falling into place.

Will this Holi be different because of the success?

Of course! Nothing tastes like success. I always celebrate festivals — whether it’s Holi or Diwali. But I have more reasons to celebrate it now. My family is here after a long time, so, I’ll be with them. Even they are very kicked about the film’s success. There’s something special about this Holi.

How do you plan to celebrate the festival of colours this time around?

I am a foodie. Bachpan mein mummy bahut sweets banati thi. Shakkar paare is my favourite. I also like gujia and mathri. My mom is here and she has already made all of them. I crave for such sweets, especially during festivals. I play dry and an eco-friendly Holi with gulaal. I enjoy spending time with my family and having conversations with them.

What’s your fondest memory of Holi?

I don’t drink at all. During my college days, I used to stay in an all-boys hostel. Once, we were celebrating Holi at the basketball court under the scorching heat. I drank thandai and I loved it so much ki main peeta gaya. I didn’t realise that there was bhang in it aur dhoop mein bhaang zyada hi chadhti hai. So, I was completely out and it was actually like the line from my song Main Nashe Mein Talli Ho Gaya. 
I tore my clothes as well as that of others. I was on a T-shirt tearing spree and it had some after-effects, so I kept laughing my guts out for a long time. On the other hand, my roommate was crying, so it was weird. This continued for hours.

You must have played a lot of pranks during Rang Panchami as a kid?

There was a ground in Gwalior where my friends and I would play with colours. We were complete brats. Hum log ek doosre ko bilkul ganda kar dete the. There was a garden where there used to be a lot of mud. We would throw people in that. It was dirty, but a lot of fun. I still cherish those memories. Thankfully, I’ve never put ridiculous colours on anyone. But mere saath aisa ho chuka hai. I’ve had a red face once and half-green and half-silver once for 15 days after Holi. I used to go to school like a bhoot (laughs).

Do you miss playing a dirty Holi now?

You always miss what you do in your childhood. I’m no different. There’s an age and time for everything. Now, I’m more civil (smiles).

Will you catch up with your SKTKS co-stars tomorrow?

I’ll meet them for sure. Ho sakta hai ki hum log ek hi jagah par khel bhi rahe ho saath mein.