PATHS TO GLORY

KARTIK AARYAN TALKS ABOUT FINDING HIMSELF THROUGH THE MOVIES IN AN INTIMATE TETE-A-TETE WITH JITESH PILLAAI

- JITESH PILLAAI

Kartik Aaryan is the great new hope of the industry today, what with top banners vying to get his signature on the dotted line. His signing amount has reached astronomical figures, though he neither confirms not denies this news, saying that he isn't defined by his fees. But in an industry where nothing succeeds like excess, you have to flaunt your achievements because no one else will. Kartik looks like a sure bet right now and he insists he's no one-trick pony. He has trained himself for the long course and loves the challenge. Behind all his street smarts and the hunger of an outsider, he still remains the Gwalior lad who came to Mumbai with big dreams. He's still in awe of cinema, of making people fall in love with stories. And that's good because magic needs a certain belief for it to work. Excerpts from a freewheeling interview:

You earned your degree after 10 years. Do you want to recall what college was like? What kind of student were you?

Choosing D.Y. Patil college was my way of staying close to Mumbai and pursuing auditions while studying. Coming from Gwalior, I wouldn't have had a reason to move here otherwise. My parents might not have allowed it. But I did study and enjoy my time there. Though mostly, I was going for auditions.

Since you are a star, they held a special convocation ceremony for you.

What happened was that Vijay Patil sir, the owner of D.Y. Patil College, said, "My students will be so inspired by the kind of hard work you've done. It's not just about being in the field of medicine, biotechnology, or engineering. It's about inspiring people. So, I want you to be here. I want this to happen so that they work towards their dreams and goals." I was really happy with that idea.