In a refreshingly candid conversation, Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan has opened up about his past relationship with fellow actor Ananya Panday, emphasising growth, respect, and a complete absence of bitterness. Speaking to Filmfare, Aaryan reflected on the emotional journey both have undertaken since their breakup and their subsequent professional collaboration.
From Romance to Respect: A Journey of Growth
Addressing the experience of working with an ex-partner, Kartik revealed a foundation of deep understanding. "She and I understand each other a lot. It's been a journey," he stated, acknowledging the shared history. He highlighted the personal evolution both have experienced, moving past a "kiddish nature" towards greater maturity. "We've had our moments in life, and we've seen the ups and downs... both of us, as individuals, have really evolved and grown into that space," the actor explained.
Crucially, Aaryan dismissed any narrative of animosity. "Mine and Ananya's relationship has never been about hatred or love-hate. It's always been love, love, love, irrespective of the situation in life," he asserted. He expressed a enduring fondness, believing the feeling is mutual: "I've always had a soft corner for her, and I would like to believe she has that for me, too."
Privacy, Fidelity, and Media Speculation
Kartik Aaryan also explained his steadfast policy of keeping his romantic life away from the public glare, a conscious choice in an era of oversharing. "When you're in the media spotlight, you have to respect a relationship, always. And I've always done that. I never talk about my relationships," he said. He cautioned fans about believing everything they read, noting, "There will always be countless stories... Not everything you hear is correct."
In a definitive statement, the actor addressed rumours directly. Describing himself as "a very good lover," he firmly stated, "I have always been faithful. Always! Overlapping never happened. That's just media speculation. Overlapping isn't something that was ever possible."
The Psychology of Healthy Closure
Commenting on such mature post-breakup dynamics, counselling psychologist Athul Raj explained to indianexpress.com that this reflects significant emotional growth. "When someone can speak about a past relationship as layered — containing love, conflict, growth, and disappointment – it reflects emotional integration rather than denial," he said.
Raj noted that this maturity allows individuals to move beyond a simplistic 'hero vs villain' narrative. Acknowledging the "ups and downs" suggests they have processed the relationship internally rather than harbouring public resentment. "Healthy closure isn't about erasing pain; it's about understanding it without being consumed by it," he added.
The psychologist also offered a crucial caveat about post-breakup friendships. "Staying friends works only when both individuals have fully disengaged from unmet expectations and unresolved longing," Raj stated. He advised that if contact triggers confusion or emotional instability, it may hinder healing. "Sometimes distance is not avoidance; it is emotional clarity," he concluded, emphasising that a healthy dynamic allows for complete grief and stable self-identity.
Kartik Aaryan's reflections offer a rare glimpse into a Bollywood breakup handled with grace, underscoring that endings, when navigated with respect and self-awareness, can lead to personal growth and enduring mutual regard.
