Before the lockdown, actor Kartik Aaryan was in the midst of making Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and Dostana 2. With all shoots on hold, the actor is keeping himself occupied on social media and has created his own YouTube show where he interviews COVID healthcare workers. Film Companion editor Anupama Chopra caught up with the actor on changes the industry is likely to face post the crisis and the film he really hopes to do next. Excerpts from the chat:
Post the crisis, will stars take a pay cut and cut down on their entourage? Are these things that you will be willing to do?
I think, yes. I mean, I wouldn't want to cut down on people's job as well. So there has to be a solution wherein people don't lose their jobs and producers who are getting hit are also saved. Currently, I don't have any solution. We are all just thinking about these problems and how we'll find a way out. But yes, whatever it takes for the industry and for all of us to get together and start working, I think I am up for it. Whatever we decide to do collectively, I'm up for it.
In all the time I have been here, I have never actually seen actors opt for a pay cut. But you're saying that it is something you will be willing to consider…
100%. I think if that's something that is going to help the industry, we all should do that. We are a family and we need to come together and do whatever it takes. It's not such a big deal. We get so much from the industry, we can also give whatever it takes to bring it back to its feet.
Are you doing the Hindi remake of Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo?
I saw the film on Netflix. It's a lot of fun. Allu Arjun was just amazing. I can't see anyone else playing that part apart from me but I don't know whether I'm doing it or not. I've only read reports that there is a Hindi remake and I might be doing it. I've been hunting for this film ever since I saw it.
But they haven't offered it to you?
Before offers could come, the lockdown happened. In fact, I keep thinking that if the lockdown goes on for long then so many of the films I've already signed will only release after 2 years. So I wonder if we need to change those choices because who knows what our lives will be in 2 years… that's the dilemma we are all in.