Actor Kartik Aaryan recently opened up about his acting fees, revealing his journey from earning Rs 70,000 for his first film, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, to charging Rs 40 crore now. In an interview, Kartik spoke candidly about his relationship with money and how it has remained consistent despite his rising stardom.
Early Struggles and Financial Goals
Appearing on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Kartik Aaryan shared insights into his financial journey. He recalled the hardships he faced growing up, with his parents often in debt, which motivated him to pursue financial stability. Kartik said, “I was always clear about wanting to earn money because of the hardships that I had experienced growing up.”
Humble Beginnings in Pyaar Ka Punchnama
Kartik’s debut film, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, earned him Rs 70,000 before taxes. He humorously recounted his concerns about tax deductions, saying, “I made Rs 63,000 for Pyaar Ka Punchnama after taxes. TDS used to really worry me.” He also mentioned earning Rs 1,500 for his first ad, highlighting his humble beginnings in the industry.
When asked about his rise from Rs 1 crore to Rs 40 crore in just five years, Kartik clarified, “Pyaar Ka Punchnama wasn’t Rs 1 crore. It was Rs 70,000. It’s all instinct, and it’s your choices that help you shoot up through the ranks.” He confirmed that he started making significant money only after his breakout film Sonu Ki Titu Ki Sweety, stating, “I didn’t make that much even for Sonu. I started making money only after Sonu.”
Sacrifices for Shehzada
In a recent interview, Kartik revealed that he sacrificed his acting fee for the film Shehzada due to pandemic-induced financial difficulties. He explained, “I got a producer credit in the film because I let go of my fee. I did this when no one was talking about these things. Because they were falling short of finances, I let go of my remuneration.”
Kartik emphasized that many stars, including himself, are committed to the success of their films over personal earnings. He said, “No one wants to load their films. I don’t think anyone thinks, ‘No no, I will charge what I want to, film jaaye bhaad mein (the film be damned)’.” This sentiment underscores his dedication to the craft and the industry.