Kartik Aaryan may have entered Bollywood 10 years ago, but it was only in 2018 that he truly arrived here with his sleeper blockbuster Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety. After that, it was just one success after another. He followed it with Luka Chuppi and then Pati Patni Aur Woh. He did stumble a bit with the failure of Love Aaj Kal last year, but he was already a brand by then.
Although, Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown kind of halted his victory run in the middle. But in the absence of any movie performance, Kartik familiarised his audience with his best act yet—the funny and hilarious Kartik himself. While the world was and is still dealing with tough times, it is Kartik’s Instagram that comes as a respite. Let’s have a look at some of those times when Kartik’s humours came to the rescue:
When he used his trademark monologue to warn about Corona
Kartik and his monologues are sacred and trademarked to him. So, when he modified and used it to make people aware of the importance of staying at home, his fans had to listen.
When he auditioned for Baghban remake
Kartik’s wit came to proper spotlight when he used the ageing filter to put up his picture and announce that he was ready to be cast in the Baghban remake. He even called for entries for the female lead, and surely there was a submission by Janhvi Kapoor, along with her credentials.
When he went into self-appreciation mode and was eventually tricked by his mother
If there was someone who got more stardom in Kartik’s family then him during this lockdown, it was Kartik’s mother. She was a part of most of his videos, even if in a passing mention. So, while he was busy appreciating his bearded look, soon it was followed by the tale of how he got tricked by his mother to shave it off.
When he unabashedly asked for some love
Who doesn’t like to be appreciated, especially when it comes impromptu? But sometimes one has to fetch for themselves and Kartik didn’t shy away to ask for compliments when he wanted it and surely there was a sea of compliments he was drowning in soon after.
When he slyly gave a message with a popular slang
While the world was busy incorporating this line, ‘Bulati hai Magar Jaane Ka Nahi’ in their shayari and music, Kartik used it to highlight the importance of staying at home.
When he turned thrifty with a camera lens
Three months into the lockdown, when everyone was bored to their core, Kartik was busy finding metaphorical meanings in his old photoshoots, and this was one such gem.
When he found unique birthday wishes for Katrina Kaif, Bhumi Pednekar and Kriti Sanon
There are several ways to wish your colleagues but none as fun as Kartik’s. While he used an old video from IIFA press conference to say it was his “baayein haath ka khel” to dance with Katrina, on her birthday, to wish Bhumi he accused her of loving cake more than him. To wish Kriti, he took Bhumi’s help as well and announced the sequel to Pati Patni Aur Woh in his unique style.
When it was time for Round 2 of accepting more appreciation
While a journalist lauded Kartik’s journey on social media, Kartik used it as an excuse to ask his fans to keep the love flowing and shower him with more compliments, and being the loyal fans as they are, they obliged.
When he asked the most important question in the world
Last August, when the digital world was having a gala time discovering the talent that is Yashraj Mukhate, Kartik was amongst the first from Bollywood to ask the all important question, “Rasode mein kaun tha?”.
When he had a feline company to wait for a vaccine
Today the whole country is running around to get vaccinated, but Kartik’s wait is from last September, and the wait was not just for him but his feline friend as well it seems.
When he turned detective inspired form his wardrobe
While waiting for the vaccine, Kartik thought it best to utilise the time to maybe give it a go to find the culprit behind this pandemic. Inspiration and power: his t-shirt.
When he had FOMO
This year in February, when it seemed like theatre business was on its way to normalcy, all the makers were rushing to announce and lock their release dates. But Kartik suffered a FOMO when none of his film’s dates were announced and he took his grievance to the highest court: social media.
When he found pleasure in pain
Late March this year, Kartik fell victim to the Covid-19. But when night curfew was announced across the country, he took some pleasure in the misery as he found virtual company in his isolation.
When he finally tested negative
Every one has their own style to announce important news and Kartik’s was to compare his 14 days quarantine to the vanwaas of Lord Ram, which ended with him testing Covid-19 negative.
When a pop was all that it took to startle him
Kartik had a nice beginning to April when he became the proud owner of an expensive and imported car. But the middle-class boy in him was still not that ready maybe for the celebration that followed and he agreed.
When he used humour to spread the message of vaccination
By now, humour with a message has kind of become synonymous with Kartik’s Insta captions and that is how he spread the awareness about vaccination opening for all above 18 from May 1.
It’s safe to say that it’s time to give this man a stand-up special already.
Image source: SpotboyE archives