This Mother's Day, Kartik Aaryan tells us why he’ll always be a mamma’s boy

It’s Kartik Aaryan’s mother, Mala Tiwari, who answers the door when we arrive at his cosy Juhu residence on a hot Friday afternoon. She immediately ushers us inside and offers us a choice of cold or room-temperature water, before responding herself, “Saada hi laati hoon, itni garmi se aaye ho.” 

So, when the actor tells us that he had been missing his mom and his entire family all the time that he stayed alone in Mumbai, you can see why he must have missed the warm, fuzzy feeling of coming home to loved ones. 

Now that the Luka Chuppi actor is well settled in the city, he’s brought his kin down from Gwalior to stay with him. “I had a dream that we would all live together once again. Now, after almost seven-eight years of staying here alone, I asked them to join me. In a way, this is my dream house because my parents and sister are here with me,” he states. When Kartik aka Koki — as his mom lovingly calls him — and she settle down for a chat, the former tells us that this time, they will celebrate Mother’s Day together after many years. 

Excerpts from a chat with the Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety star and his ‘very photogenic’ maa…

Would you say you are a mamma’s boy? 

Kartik: I have always been a mamma’s boy. I have been sharing everything with her since childhood and I still do. The only secret I kept from her and the family for more than three years was my dream of becoming an actor because I didn’t know if anyone would believe me or what it would lead to.

Mala: It’s true, he tells me everything. He even discusses his girlfriends with me.

How does it feel to see your son’s success? 

Kartik: Mummy toh tareef hi karengi meri!

Mala: (Laughs) Nothing like that. But yes, it’s an extremely proud and happy feeling. However, there is also a fear because the career he has chosen is so full of insecurities. He has to prove himself each Friday. Here, even if you go really high up, you can go down as quickly as that. So, I just tell him to be prepared.

Back in Gwalior, how did you celebrate Mother’s Day or other occasions?  

Kartik: We had a fixed restaurant where we used to go for any celebrations. We would sit at the same table, and order the same food, from the same waiter who never had a haircut in his life! We haven’t been able to celebrate that way for the past couple of years. 

Mala: Even here, we will probably do that. Order dal makhani, some paneer dish, boondi raita and naan!

(Kartik Aaryan and his mother Mala Tiwari — Pic: Ashwini Sawant)

Is there any gift he has given you that you cherish a lot?  

Mala: He had given me his first cheque of Rs 2,500, which he had got for doing an ad. Later, when he was signed for a film, he gave me that cheque for Rs 11,000 as well. Then some years ago, he had come to Gwalior and he got gifts for the entire family. He had gifted me a ring at that time. I cherish that a lot and I liked the fact that he thought of bringing something for each one of us. You can expect that from the girls, lekin bete itna nahin karte. So, that’s precious.

Kartik, what about you? Any advice of hers that you take seriously?

Kartik: Advice toh chalti hi rehti hai (laughs) — especially lifestyle-related. If I’m on a diet, she’s always telling me to eat more. She won’t understand that I might need to look lean for a particular role. She had a fight with my trainer once because he insisted I don’t eat carbs. So, the driver would suddenly offer me a chocolate or there would be dishes kept in front of me that she knows I would find difficult to resist. She keeps doing things like that (smiles). She is happy as long as I eat properly and sleep on time. Then, of course, she wants me to stay grounded and I assure her I will. 

Mala: I tell him that the advice we give you will always be correct. An outsider can lie to you but we, as a family, will always have your best interests at heart.

As a mother, what has been your proudest moment? 

Mala: There are so many. But the one I remember the most is when he had come to Gwalior for a shoot. There were so many people who had come to see him. The entire city had posters welcoming him and calling him ‘Son of Gwalior’. He was barely able to step out of his trailer because there were so many people outside calling out his name. He was even invited to his school, St Paul’s, as the chief guest. When he arrived, the school band started playing and there were flowers on the path all the way to the stage.

Kartik: There was so much warmth and positivity around. There was a sense of belonging. The crowd was unbelievable.

Mala: Earlier, we used to be called to the parent-teacher meetings to be scolded for some mischief he had done. This time, the principal called me to invite him to the school as a chief guest. I told him that I’m really happy! (Smiles). That was such a proud feeling.

Have things changed ever since your family moved to Mumbai to stay with you? 

Kartik: No, not really. I have never been a party person. I don’t smoke or drink either...

So, your mom hasn’t got a chance to scold you?

Kartik: Ha ha! Nahin, bahut mauke milte hain. Even if I try, I end up coming home late at times. But having them here keeps me grounded. I had always wanted the family to be together again, celebrating occasions. We will celebrate Mother’s Day today and order for the same dishes, without looking at the menu (laughs)!