Ananya Panday chooses timeless romance over modern hookup culture; Kartik Aaryan reflects on love-led cinema

In an era dominated by fleeting connections and instant gratification, Ananya Panday is clear about where she stands. At the trailer launch of her upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, the actor spoke candidly about her personal belief system when it comes to love and relationships-one that leans firmly towards emotional depth and permanence.

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Ananya revealed that her understanding of romance is shaped by values she grew up with, not by today’s dating culture. She identifies herself as someone who prioritises commitment, emotional safety, and long-term bonds over casual associations. 

When Families Matter As Much As Partners

Central to Ananya’s idea of love is the importance of family. She described herself as deeply rooted in familial values, where relationships are not limited to two individuals but extend to a shared life with loved ones.

“I love my family, and I want my partner’s family to become my family too,” she said, highlighting how emotional unity and acceptance play a crucial role in her vision of a relationship.

Why Modern Dating Doesn’t Appeal To Her?

While many embrace evolving definitions of romance, Ananya finds comfort in nostalgia. She openly admitted that her idea of love belongs to another time. “I’m a very 90s love story person,” she mentions, drawing a clear contrast between her beliefs and present-day dating norms.

Making her stance unambiguous, she added, “I don’t believe in the 2025’s hookup culture.” This outlook, she shared, is also what helped her emotionally connect with her character Rumi in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, where love is layered with sincerity rather than convenience.

Kartik Aaryan on Romance With Purpose

Sharing the stage at the launch, Kartik Aaryan spoke about feeling grateful for the kind of romantic films coming his way- stories that go beyond surface-level love. He noted that both Satyaprem Ki Katha and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri explore deeper social issues faced by women. While Satyaprem Ki Katha addressed themes such as consent, gender-based violence, and trauma, the makers of the upcoming film are keeping its central conflict under wraps for now. Both projects are helmed by director Sameer Vidwans.

Kartik on Storytelling That Balances Message and Emotion

Reflecting on the film, Koki shared his appreciation for the creative team, saying, "I feel lucky that I got this film , the way Karan wrote this story and character and the way Sameer sir took this vision ahead with his direction, was great. There are very few filmmakers who can convey a message in an entertaining and not preachy way in a romance film. Sameer is one of those directors who has done that successfully, he did that with ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’, which talked about a serious topic. The way I and Kiara were presented in the film by Sameer was great. I feel glad that such films are coming to me."

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A Reunion and Mutual Admiration

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor also had words of praise for Ananya Panday, with whom he reunites after their 2019 film Pati Patni Aur Woh. Emphasising collaboration and creative exchange, he said, “I’m lucky to have Ananya by my side in this film, who has done such a wonderful job. She deserves applause. There’s a give and take between us as actors and the way she has reciprocated is commendable. It’s a team effort."