Mumbai: Veteran actor and parliamentarian Shatrughan Sinha recently praised Kartik Aaryan, drawing a compelling comparison between the young star's ascent in Bollywood and his own formative years in the industry.
Sinha, renowned for his commanding screen presence in the 1970s and 1980s, underscored the challenges faced by outsiders in an industry dominated by dynastic privilege and insider networks.
In an interview with Zoom, Singa reflected on his own arduous journey, remarking, “Jab main aaya tha toh baahar ka tha. [When I entered, I was an outsider.] I had no connections with the industry.” He contrasted his path with that of his contemporary, Amitabh Bachchan, revealing, “Amitabh Bachchan had come with a recommendation letter from Srimati Indira Gandhi. Mere paas kuch bhi nahin tha. [I had nothing.] Except self-confidence, just like Kartik."
Sinha further illuminated the deep-seated colourism and regional preferences prevalent during his early days, stating, "Nor was I a gora-chitta [Fair-skinned] Punjabi like the ruling heroes of those times, like Dharmendra and Jeetendra.”
He observed that every decade, the film industry witnesses the emergence of an outsider who reconfigures the cinematic landscape, "Every ten years, the film industry gets one outsider who takes over the industry. After Akshay Kumar, it is Kartik Aaryan."
Presently, Kartik Aaryan is at the zenith of his career, having clinched the IIFA Best Actor Award for his role in the blockbuster "Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3". He is currently filming an ambitious, yet untitled project under the direction of Anurag Basu, slated for a Diwali 2025 release, with Sreeleela cast opposite Aaryan, according to a report by Moneycontrol.
The teaser, which has already garnered significant buzz, showcases Kartik in a brawny avatar, sporting a beard and intense demeanour while singing 'Tu Meri Zindagi' on stage amidst evocative glimpses of a burgeoning romance with Sreeleela.
