Who Is Kartik Aaryan? Biography, Age, Real Name, Movies, Family, Career & Latest News
Kartik Aaryan is one of the most recognizable actors in contemporary Hindi cinema, known for moving between romantic comedies, thrillers, horror comedies and more demanding dramatic roles. From his debut in Pyaar Ka Punchnama to films such as Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Chandu Champion, his career has developed through a mixture of commercial entertainers and performances that have allowed him to explore different sides of his acting.
In 2026, Aaryan reached another major milestone when he received his first National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chandu Champion. He shared the honour with Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty, who was recognised for Bramayugam.
With several projects in production, including Captain India, Naagzilla and a new sports drama with Kabir Khan, Aaryan remains one of the busiest young leading actors in Bollywood.
Kartik Aaryan Age and Birth
Kartik Aaryan was born on November 22, 1990, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. He is 35 years old as of September 2026.
He spent much of his childhood in Gwalior and completed his schooling there before moving to Navi Mumbai for higher education. In interviews, Aaryan has recalled developing an interest in acting while he was still in school. He has said that he became serious about becoming an actor around the ninth standard, although his parents initially expected him to follow a conventional professional career.
Kartik Aaryan Real Name
Kartik Aaryan’s original surname was Tiwari. He was born as Kartik Tiwari and later became professionally known as Kartik Aaryan. Some biographical sources list his fuller name as Kartik Tiwari Aaryan, but his professional name is simply Kartik Aaryan.
The name change became part of his early Bollywood story as he transitioned from an engineering student pursuing auditions to a professional actor.
Kartik Aaryan Education
Before entering Bollywood, Aaryan studied engineering. He attended St. Paul’s School in Gwalior and later moved to Navi Mumbai, where he pursued a degree in biotechnology engineering at D. Y. Patil College.
His college years were also when he began secretly pursuing acting opportunities. Aaryan has spoken about travelling long distances from college to attend auditions and facing repeated rejections before landing his first film role.
He eventually completed his engineering degree after beginning his acting career, following his mother’s insistence that he finish his studies.
Kartik Aaryan Family
Kartik Aaryan comes from a family with a medical background. His father, Dr. Manish Tiwari, is a paediatrician, while his mother, Dr. Mala Tiwari, is a gynaecologist. His sister Kritika Tiwari is also a doctor.
Growing up in Gwalior, Aaryan has described his family as middle-class and has spoken about the financial sacrifices his parents made for his education. He has also recalled that his parents initially wanted him to pursue engineering or medicine rather than acting.
His relationship with his parents has remained an important part of his public story. After establishing himself in Mumbai, he brought his parents and sister closer to his life there.
How Kartik Aaryan Started His Acting Career
Aaryan moved to Mumbai primarily because he wanted to enter the film industry, although his formal reason for moving was to study engineering.
While still in college, he searched for auditions online and began attending casting calls. He has recalled that he spent roughly three years auditioning before receiving a major opportunity. He also took an acting course at the Kreating Charakters institute to develop his skills.
His persistence eventually paid off when he was selected for Luv Ranjan’s Pyaar Ka Punchnama.
Kartik Aaryan Movie Debut: Pyaar Ka Punchnama
Kartik Aaryan made his Hindi film debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011. Directed by Luv Ranjan, the film was a relationship comedy centered on three male friends and their romantic experiences.
Aaryan played Rajat, also known as Rajjo, and the film introduced him to a wider Hindi-speaking audience. His performance, particularly the film’s lengthy monologue, became closely associated with his early public image.
The film did not immediately turn him into a major star, but it gave him a recognizable screen presence and established his association with youth-oriented Hindi comedies.
Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 and Early Career
Aaryan returned for Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 in 2015. The sequel expanded on the formula of the first film and became an important commercial success in his early career.
Before that, he had appeared in Akaash Vani in 2013 and Subhash Ghai’s Kaanchi: The Unbreakable in 2014. Neither film produced the same commercial impact as his later work, and Aaryan continued looking for opportunities that could establish him as a leading actor.
He also appeared in Guest Iin London in 2017 before reaching a major turning point with Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety: Kartik Aaryan Breakthrough
The biggest early turning point in Kartik Aaryan’s career came with Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety in 2018.
Directed by Luv Ranjan, the comedy starred Aaryan as Sonu, a man who becomes suspicious of his best friend’s fiancée and attempts to prevent their marriage.
The film became a major commercial success and transformed Aaryan from a promising young actor into a mainstream Hindi-film star. Apple TV’s biography of the actor identifies the film as his breakthrough and notes its importance in his subsequent career.
Kartik Aaryan Movies After Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety
Following his breakthrough, Aaryan began appearing in a series of mainstream Hindi films.
He starred opposite Kriti Sanon in Luka Chuppi in 2019 and appeared alongside Bhumi Pednekar and Ananya Panday in Pati Patni Aur Woh later that year.
He then played a dual role in Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal in 2020. The film was followed by the Netflix thriller Dhamaka in 2021, in which Aaryan played a television journalist caught in the middle of a live crisis.
In 2022, he appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Freddy. These films showed two different directions in his acting career, with the former being a large-scale horror comedy and the latter a darker psychological thriller.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Kartik Aaryan’s Commercial Rise
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, released in May 2022, became one of the defining commercial successes of Aaryan’s career.
Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film was a standalone sequel to the 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Aaryan played Rooh Baba, a character who becomes involved in a seemingly supernatural mystery inside an old mansion.
The success established Aaryan as a major box-office lead and eventually led to another sequel, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Aaryan returned as Rooh Baba in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released in 2024. The film again combined horror and comedy while expanding the franchise’s cast, including Vidya Balan, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri.
The film became another major commercial release for Aaryan and added to his association with large-scale Hindi theatrical productions. Apple TV’s biography lists Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 among his highest-grossing releases.
Kartik Aaryan in Chandu Champion
One of the most significant changes in Aaryan’s career came with Chandu Champion, directed by Kabir Khan and released in June 2024.
Aaryan played Murlikant Petkar, the Indian para-athlete whose life formed the basis of the film. Petkar was a soldier who later became a para-athlete and won India’s first Paralympic gold medal in swimming.
The role required Aaryan to undergo substantial physical preparation and training. The film moved away from the romantic-comedy image associated with several of his earlier hits and gave him an opportunity to lead a biographical sports drama.
Kartik Aaryan National Award
Kartik Aaryan won the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chandu Champion.
The award was announced in July 2026 as part of the 72nd National Film Awards, which recognised films and performances from 2024. Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour with Mammootty, who won for Bramayugam.
On September 22, 2026, President Droupadi Murmu formally presented Aaryan with the award at the National Film Awards ceremony in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. It was his first National Film Award.
The 2026 ceremony was also notable because the National Film Awards were presented outside New Delhi for the first time.
Kartik Aaryan Latest News in 2026
The biggest recent development in Aaryan’s career is his National Award win for Chandu Champion. But the actor is also preparing for several upcoming productions.
Captain India
Aaryan is currently working on Captain India, directed by Shimit Amin, the filmmaker behind Chak De! India and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year.
The film is inspired by a historic evacuation mission, with Aaryan expected to play a pilot. Production moved to London in September 2026, and the film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 13, 2027.
Captain India also marks Amin’s return to directing after a lengthy absence from feature filmmaking.
Naagzilla
Aaryan is also attached to Naagzilla, a fantasy comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba.
The film was originally scheduled for August 2026 but was postponed. It is now scheduled for release on February 12, 2027. Aaryan plays a shape-shifting serpent character in the film, which is being produced by Dharma Productions and Mahaveer Jain Films.
Kabir Khan’s Untitled Sports Drama
Aaryan is set to reunite with director Kabir Khan following Chandu Champion.
The untitled sports drama is reportedly inspired by the story of Kashmiri kickboxing champion Tajamul Islam. Aaryan is expected to play a coach who mentors a young girl in the sport. The project is also significant because Aaryan is making his debut as a producer with the film.
Production was affected by a knee injury Aaryan sustained while filming an action sequence in August 2026. He underwent surgery and subsequently resumed work on other portions of his film schedule.
Anurag Basu’s Romantic Film
Aaryan is also working with director Anurag Basu on a romantic musical featuring Sreeleela.
The project was initially associated with the Aashiqui franchise but was subsequently developed as a standalone film. In 2026, the proposed title became part of a trademark dispute, with T-Series telling the Delhi High Court that it had changed the title from Tu Hi Aashiqui to Tu Meri Zindagi Hai.
The film remains part of Aaryan’s upcoming slate.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4
A fourth Bhool Bhulaiyaa film has also been discussed, with Aaryan expected to continue his association with the franchise.
However, its status is less certain than some of his other projects. Director Anees Bazmee said in August 2026 that Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 was not yet confirmed and that the team still needed a story strong enough to justify another installment.
Kartik Aaryan Movies List
Some of Kartik Aaryan’s notable films include:
- Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011)
- Akaash Vani (2013)
- Kaanchi: The Unbreakable (2014)
- Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2 (2015)
- Guest Iin London (2017)
- Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018)
- Luka Chuppi (2019)
- Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019)
- Love Aaj Kal (2020)
- Dhamaka (2021)
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022)
- Freddy (2022)
- Shehzada (2023)
- Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023)
- Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
- Chandu Champion (2024)
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024)
- Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (2025)
His filmography reflects a career that began primarily in youth-oriented romantic comedies before expanding into thrillers, horror comedies, romantic dramas and biographical sports cinema.
Kartik Aaryan Awards
Aaryan has received several industry honours during his career, but the National Film Award represents a particularly significant addition to his record.
His major recognition includes:
- National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role: Chandu Champion (2026)
- IIFA Award for Best Actor: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
- Filmfare Critics recognition: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2
- Multiple Zee Cine and other entertainment awards
The 2026 National Film Award was presented to him by President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony.
Is Kartik Aaryan Married?
Kartik Aaryan is not publicly known to be married as of September 2026.
He has generally kept his personal relationships away from detailed public discussion. Rather than treating speculation about his dating life as established fact, it is more accurate to focus on his documented career and public interviews.
Kartik Aaryan Career
Kartik Aaryan’s career has taken him from small-budget youth comedies to major theatrical franchises and biographical dramas.
His early identity was strongly connected with the Pyaar Ka Punchnama films, but Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety significantly expanded his commercial profile. Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh and other mainstream releases established him as a leading man in Hindi cinema.
The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 demonstrated his ability to carry a large franchise, while Dhamaka and Freddy allowed him to move into darker material. With Chandu Champion, he took on a physically demanding real-life character and subsequently received the National Film Award for the performance.
As of September 2026, his upcoming slate spans historical and action material, fantasy comedy, romance and sports drama. That range reflects the broader direction his filmography has taken since his breakthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kartik Aaryan’s age?
Kartik Aaryan is 35 years old as of September 2026. He was born on November 22, 1990.
What is Kartik Aaryan’s real name?
He was born Kartik Tiwari and is professionally known as Kartik Aaryan.
Where was Kartik Aaryan born?
He was born in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India.
What is Kartik Aaryan’s educational qualification?
He studied biotechnology engineering at D. Y. Patil College in Navi Mumbai.
What was Kartik Aaryan’s first movie?
His acting debut was Pyaar Ka Punchnama, released in 2011.
Which movie gave Kartik Aaryan his breakthrough?
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety is widely identified as his major breakthrough film.
Did Kartik Aaryan win a National Award?
Yes. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chandu Champion. He shared the award with Mammootty, who won for Bramayugam.
What is Kartik Aaryan’s next movie?
His upcoming projects include Captain India, Naagzilla, an untitled sports drama with Kabir Khan and a romantic film with Anurag Basu and Sreeleela. Captain India is scheduled for August 13, 2027, while Naagzilla is scheduled for February 12, 2027.
Conclusion
Kartik Aaryan’s journey from an engineering student attending auditions in Mumbai to a National Award-winning actor has unfolded over more than a decade.
His career began with youth comedies, grew through the commercial success of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and later expanded into thrillers, dramatic roles and biographical cinema. His performance as Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion brought his first National Film Award in 2026.
With Captain India, Naagzilla, the Kabir Khan sports drama and other projects in development, Aaryan’s filmography continues to move beyond the romantic-comedy image that defined the first phase of his career.