New Delhi: Kartik Aaryan, who is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming film ‘Shehzaada’, has made a mark for himself in Bollywood, ranking among one of the highest paid actors. Kartik, who began his acting career with Luv Ranjan’s ‘Pyaar Ka Punchnama’, was paid Rs 1.5 lakh for the film. Kartik essayed the role of one of the three male leads and became popular for his famous monologue in the film.
In a recent interview on Rajat Sharma’s popular show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, the actor confirmed getting Rs 20 crores for a film shot during the Covid-19 pandemic, that was wrapped in 10 days. Calling himself the only ‘Shehzaada’ of Bollywood, the actor also justified his remuneration.
Talking about earlier reports that stated the actor’s remuneration for Ram Madhavani’s film ‘Dhamaka’ which was wrapped in only 10 days, the actor confirmed getting Rs 20 crore for 10 days of work.
Kartik was told by journalist Rajat Sharma he had become ‘so obsessed’ with himself that after earning ‘sava lakh ( ₹1.25 lakh)’ in his first film (Pyaar Ka Punchnaama), he was now asking for ₹20 crore.
On hearing the allegation, Kartik blushed and replied, “Woh to dus din ke hain (This was for 10 days).” When he said he was joking, the host corrected him, and said in Hindi, “No, you are not joking. For the film you shot during Covid-19 pandemic in 10 days, you took ₹20 crore.” Kartik then said, “Sir yeh kiya tha corona ke time pe, par kya mein aise dicuss kar sakta hoon apni fees, mujhe nahi pata. Par haan woh ek film (Dhamaka) aise bani aur dus din ka shoot tha uska. Woh mera remuneration tha aur main dus din mein kya, bees din mein paise double kar deta hoon apne producers ke, toh banta hai (Yes, during the Covid-19 pandemic I had shot for the film for 10 days and that was my remuneration. I make my producers earn double the money in 20 days, so I think I deserve what I am paid.”
Karthik was also told that he said started acting like he was ‘hero number one’ after the success of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. The horror-comedy was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films released in 2022. To which the actor responded in Hindi, “I have always seen myself as no. 1, slowly people are also getting to know that and are seeing me like that. But the audience’s love is what matters the most to me. I am desperate for their love and only for that am I obsessesed with myself and want to give hit films… there’s only one Shehzada (prince) in the film industry.”
Kartik Aaryan has an interesting line-up of projects in his kitty. The actor will next be seen in ‘Shehzaada’ opposite his ‘Lukka Chhupi’ co-star Kriti Sanon. The film is a remake of the Telugu film ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramaloo’ starring Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde.