South City Mall transformed into an arena, and fans of Kartik Aaryan filled the shopping mall with chants of his name. Their collective energy echoed across all the levels where they stood for around four hours waiting for the star to appear on the stage and complete the 1,000km challenge on the treadmill, part of the 10th edition of the Skechers Community Goal Challenge. Kartik also unveiled the relocated store of the footwear brand, a 2,453sq ft destination on the second floor, nearly three times the size of the previous outlet. The brand ambassador of the brand, Aaryan interacted with fans, obliged with selfies, and gave out footwear to the kids of Khel Foundation. A t2 tete-a-tete with Aaryan...
How does it feel coming to Calcutta when it is gearing up for Durga Puja?
It’s always great being in Calcutta and I look forward to my visits. The warmth that I get here is unmatched and so is the food. I am afraid I won’t be able to soak in the festivities. I think the last time I was here was for the shooting of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. We took lots of pictures and shot on Howrah Bridge… Vidya Balan holding my throat (transports to that scene, tilting his head, and comes back in a jiffy) on a yellow taxi. So, for me, Calcutta is a very personal love. Calcutta has always been very iconic for us. So, I’m just happy whenever I’m here.
The Skechers Community Challenge is about coming together for a purpose, and it’s fun too. Tell us what got you on board with a campaign that’s not about individual development but about community building.
I think, first of all, it’s my association with Skechers that really got me into this and made it possible for me to connect with so many people. At a personal level, I share a deep passion for anything that stretches its boundaries and reaches out to more people. So, yes, both just helped me get on board and be a part of this fantastic initiative. It’s something that I’m really happy about. It’s fun and it’s something which is healthy. And the most important thing — it gives so much joy and happiness. Walking to complete a challenge with many others is a small thing, and yet it still gives immense joy. It releases dopamine, or a good hormone and what can be more satisfying or gratifying than that.
You are here at a time when we unite as a community to celebrate one of the biggest festivals on the planet. How important is the concept of community for you?
It is the most important thing. We are stronger as a community, and it’s always good to be a part of a community because you can’t go alone in every circumstance in life. It’s about sharing your joys and sorrows together and being there for each other. At times, you don’t even know how you are benefitted by being part of a community. So, yeah, it’s very important.
The 1,000km challenge is, of course, a big challenge for a person, but collectively, it becomes more fun. How important is this challenge for you?
It’s very important because it gives something to the people around me. It is asking them to be healthy with a simple challenge, and I get high when I am part of a collective process. I’m an entertainer, and I like making people happy. And being a part of something like this, a walkathon, is amazing. So, I’m really happy to be a part.
You have an athletic figure, and we have seen your sporty side in Chandu Champion. Are you into running?
I am into running. In the broader sense, I am into sports. I play lots of football, and that involves a lot of running. So, automatically, it becomes a part of the fitness regimen. I try to complete 10,000 steps or 15,000 steps a day. So, it’s all about walking and running and achieving your everyday goal.
Are you, like us, particular about checking your footsteps on your smartwatch or counting your calories?
Yes, I check them every day. As of now, I have not been able to achieve my daily challenge because I was on a flight (checks and scrolls his smartwatch). However, I did my 90-minute exercise before coming, so I am in a good place workout-wise. However, I still have the evening left, so I might complete my target.
How many pairs of shoes do you have, and has it increased with Skechers coming in?
Oh don’t ask! I have a whole room full of shoes. I have always been a collector of good shoes and sports shoes occupy a large chunk of my wardrobe. And yes, with Skechers coming in, it has just added to my wonderful collection.
The most expensive buy in terms of shoes?
I think it’s not always about the money. It’s always about comfort and the love for a brand. So, if I have liked something which gives me utmost comfort and matches my aesthetics, then you don’t value that as expensive but worth the money.