Kartik Aaryan reportedly returns Rs 15 crore from Tu Meri Main Tera fees following box office flop

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has reportedly returned around ?15 crore from his fee for Tu Meri Main Tera, following the film’s underwhelming box office performance. The Dharma Productions film, which also starred Ananya Panday, failed to gain traction in theatres, prompting the actor to voluntarily waive part of his remuneration, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.

Sources familiar with the matter have dismissed speculation about a fallout between Kartik and producer Karan Johar. The actor’s decision to reduce his fee, they said, was aimed at sharing the financial impact of the film’s performance and was not mandated by any contractual obligation. Industry insiders noted that this is not the first instance of Kartik adjusting his pay after a project underperforms, citing a similar situation with Shehzada.

The report also addressed rumours that Kartik had parted ways with Dharma Productions’ talent agency, DCAA. Sources clarified that the actor and the production house remain professionally aligned, with no strain in their ongoing collaboration.

Kartik is currently working on Naagzilla, another project co-produced by Dharma Productions, continuing his schedule despite the recent box office setback.

Separately, the actor was recently linked to UK-based teen Karina Kubiliute, after fans noticed similarities in Instagram posts from their Goa vacation. Photos from their trip went viral, sparking speculation of a romantic relationship. Reports noted that Kartik, who had been following Karina on Instagram, unfollowed her shortly after the rumours circulated online. Sources claimed the pair stayed at the same hotel in Goa during the first week of January. However, Karina has publicly denied any romantic involvement.

The development highlights both the challenges and scrutiny faced by Bollywood actors in the wake of commercial underperformance, as well as the rapid spread of personal speculation on social media. Kartik’s gesture in returning part of his fee demonstrates a professional approach to sharing accountability for a film’s outcome, while also drawing attention to the intersection of celebrity work and public perception.