Kartik Aaryan turns 35: Know Koki's struggle from paying rent after Bollywood debut to buying same home years later

As Kartik Aaryan celebrates his 35th birthday on 22 November, his journey reminds fans that stardom rarely comes without hardship. Today he stands as one of Bollywood’s most bankable young actors, but the early chapters of his Mumbai life were filled with doubt, debt, and dreams that seemed far out of reach.

Related Story: Kartik Aaryan's Rise in Bollywood: From getting Rs 1500 for his first assignment to being offered Rs 50 crore

From a Rented Room to a Life of Uncertainty

Long before the fame, red carpets, or blockbuster openings, Kartik lived alone in a modest Mumbai apartment- one he could barely afford. Success appeared distant as his initial films failed to give him the breakthrough he hoped for.

While speaking to Mashable India, Kartik recalled those emotionally and financially draining days. 

He said, “I moved into a house where I lived alone, but I was struggling a lot then. I didn’t have much money coming in, and my films were not working. Pyaar Ka Punchnama had come at that time, but that did not work much in my favour. After that Akaash Vaani did not do well, Kaanchi also didn't work. Guest in London also didn't work. Nobody knew much about these films as they were not working at the box office.”

When Rent Became a Luxury!

Those years pushed him to his limits. Kartik opened up about reaching a point where even paying rent seemed impossible.

He shared, “I was going through a lot of struggle when I lived here, but I was very connected to this place. There was a point where I couldn’t pay the rent of this house. It was a very strange time because I was thinking either I bring in some roommates or I start sharing with someone else."

"Then, finally, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety happened. I was paying Rs 2,000 as rent then. At one point, it went up to Rs 4,000,” he added.

His blockbuster Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety became the very film that pulled him out of years of instability and opened the doorway to stardom.

A Full-Circle Triumph

Years later, Kartik returned to the same home- this time not as a struggling actor, but as its owner. Buying the house symbolized everything he had fought for, a moment that not only overwhelmed him with pride but also moved his mother to tears.

Kartik Aaryan's Upcoming Projects

The actor now has a packed and diverse lineup of films.

Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri

A romantic comedy with Ananya Panday, backed by Dharma Productions, releasing 25 December. The makers dropped the teaser on Saturday, celebrating Koki's birthday.

Must Check: Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri teaser out: Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday’s love story rises straight from chaos! Watch

Naagzilla

Releasing 14 August 2026, this fantasy comedy features Kartik as a shape-shifting serpent in one of his most experimental roles yet.

Tu Meri Zindagi Hai (tentative title)

A musical romantic drama directed by Anurag Basu, co-starring Sreeleela, slated for May 2026.