KARTIK AARYAN BIOGRAPHY - AGE, CAREER, MOVIES & FACTS

Kartik Aaryan is one of Hindi cinema's most inspiring outsider success stories. Born Kartik Tiwari in Gwalior, he arrived in Mumbai with no film-family backing, spent years balancing an engineering degree with relentless auditions, and broke through with the cult comedy Pyaar Ka Punchnama. From scene-stealing comic timing to a physically transformative turn as para-athlete Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion, his journey from small-town dreamer to National Award-winning Best Actor is 

the stuff of Bollywood legend.

Image: LatestLyrics.xyz

Early Life

Born Kartik Tiwari on 22 November 1990 in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India, Kartik Aaryan is 35 years old as of October 2026. (Wikipedia; Pinkvilla; StarsUnfolded) He grew up in a family of doctors and was expected to follow the same path, earning a B.Tech in Biotechnology from DY Patil College in Navi Mumbai. (Wikipedia; StarsUnfolded) Yet while attending engineering college, he was quietly skipping classes to audition for films, a gamble that would eventually pay off.

Career

Kartik made his acting debut with Pyaar Ka Punchnama (2011), where his marathon comic monologue became an instant talking point. (Wikipedia; Moviekoop) His next two films, Akaash Vani (2013) and Kaanchi (2014), underperformed at the box office, but his breakthrough arrived with Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (2018), one of the year's biggest hits. (Wikipedia; Moviekoop) He consolidated his stardom with Luka Chuppi and Pati Patni Aur Woh (2019), followed by Dhamaka (2021), Freddy (2022) and Satyaprem Ki Katha (2023). (Wikipedia) The horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) turned him into a bona fide box-office draw, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released on 1 November 2024, grossed over Rs 400 crore worldwide, according to PTI/Newsdrum. (Wikipedia) His career-defining role came as Murlikant Petkar in Kabir Khan's Chandu Champion, released on 14 June 2024 and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, (IndiaTV; Wikipedia) for which he won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 72nd National Film Awards (StarsUnfolded; IndiaTV) and Best Actor at the 70th Filmfare Awards. (StarsUnfolded) He was also named IAA Brand Endorser of the Year 2025 and Maharashtrian of the Year 2025 (Actor) for Chandu Champion. For more star profiles, read our Alia Bhatt biography, Ranbir Kapoor biography and Vicky Kaushal biography.

Recent Work

His most recent release, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri (25 December 2025), directed by Sameer Vidwans and co-starring Ananya Panday, struggled with weak reviews and a poor box-office run, according to reports. (Moneycontrol; Filmibeat) His upcoming slate is packed: the creature comedy Naagzilla (Dharma Productions, directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba), postponed from 14 August 2026 to 12 February 2027 amid heavy VFX work, according to reports; (Hollywood Reporter India; Filmibeat; Moneycontrol) Captain India (directed by Shimit Amin), which was to begin shooting in September 2026, according to reports; (IndiaTV; BoxOfficeWorldwide) Anurag Basu's untitled musical romance co-starring Sreeleela, currently in production, according to reports; (BoxOfficeWorldwide) Kabir Khan's sports drama on Kashmiri kickboxer Tajamul Islam, in which he reportedly plays her coach; (Hollywood Reporter India) and an Imtiaz Ali romantic psychological thriller reportedly in the works. (BoxOfficeWorldwide) In August 2026, he suffered a knee injury during an action sequence, underwent surgery, and has since returned to work. (BoxOfficeWorldwide) Fans of his romantic films can also check out the Mehrama lyrics (Love Aaj Kal).

Personal Life

Kartik Aaryan is unmarried. (StarsUnfolded) Off screen, he ranks among India's most in-demand brand endorsers. Published net-worth figures for the actor vary wildly from source to source, so they are deliberately omitted here.

Watch the Official Video

Chandu Champion | Official Trailer

FAQs

What is Kartik Aaryan's real name and age?

His real name is Kartik Tiwari. Born on 22 November 1990, he is 35 years old as of October 2026.

Which film won him the National Award?

Chandu Champion (2024), in which he played para-swimmer Murlikant Petkar, won him Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 72nd National Film Awards.

What are Kartik Aaryan's upcoming movies?

According to reports, his upcoming films include Naagzilla (12 February 2027), Captain India, Anurag Basu's untitled musical romance with Sreeleela, Kabir Khan's sports drama on Tajamul Islam, and an Imtiaz Ali romantic psychological thriller.

Is Kartik Aaryan married?

No, Kartik Aaryan is unmarried.