Kartik Aaryan on Bollywood's insider-outsider divide

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has addressed the long-running insider versus outsider debate in Bollywood, reflecting on the challenges faced by newcomers and those without industry connections.

Speaking to Filmfare ahead of his new release Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, Kartik said that while he has personally moved beyond the debate, he continues to advocate for outsiders trying to make their mark.

“If this debate didn’t exist, people wouldn’t understand the struggle of outsiders. When a big filmmaker launches someone, they begin from a much higher level. Outsiders don’t have money, perception or access,” he explained.

Kartik also spoke about seeing talented individuals who, despite their abilities, eventually give up because opportunities simply didn’t materialize. “I have seen people come from outside and go back because it just didn’t happen for them,” he added.

While acknowledging that filmmakers are giving chances to fresh faces, Kartik emphasized that differences between insiders and outsiders persist in areas such as endorsements, social media influence, and the types of film projects available.

“These are real differences,” he said, noting that he now feels fortunate to be in a position where he can choose his projects after years of giving “200%” to everything that came his way.

Kartik made his Bollywood debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011 and has since starred in films including Akaash Vani, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Luka Chuppi, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Love Aaj Kal, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Shehzada, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Chandu Champion, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

He will next be seen in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, releasing on December 25, directed by Sameer Vidwans and co-starring Ananya Panday, Jackie Shroff, and Neena Gupta. The film is produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, and Kishor Arora.

Beyond this, Kartik has Naagzilla, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, slated for release on August 14, 2026, and will also feature in an untitled Anurag Basu film alongside Sreeleela.