Introduction

The glittering world of Bollywood has been rocked by a bombshell interview that has fans and insiders buzzing. On July 4, 2025, music composer Amaal Mallik, known for soulful hits in films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, unleashed a scathing exposé on Mirchi Plus, alleging that Kartik Aaryan is being systematically targeted by powerful Bollywood figures, much like the late Sushant Singh Rajput. Mallik’s claims, drawing chilling parallels to Sushant’s tragic fate, have ignited a firestorm on X, with fans rallying behind Kartik while speculating about the shadowy “big producers and actors” behind this alleged blackout. As the controversy escalates, with podcast host Gaurav Thakur receiving threat calls to take down the episode, questions swirl about Bollywood’s dark underbelly, Kartik’s resilience, and the potential impact on his soaring career. This article dives into the explosive allegations, X reactions, fan theories, and Kartik’s upcoming projects for Masala Mirror readers.

Amaal Mallik’s Explosive Interview: A Bollywood Conspiracy?

In a raw, unfiltered conversation with Mirchi Plus, Amaal Mallik pulled no punches, exposing what he calls Bollywood’s “dark side.” He claimed that Kartik Aaryan, 34, is facing a deliberate campaign to sideline him, orchestrated by “100 log” (a hundred people) including influential producers and actors. “The public has understood the reality of this industry… itni dark hai ki logo ki life chali gayi (it’s so dark that people have lost their lives),” Mallik said, referencing Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in June 2020. “Sushant Singh Rajput nahi handle kar paaye (couldn’t handle it). Jo bhi unke saath hua, some blame it as murder, some blame it as suicide. Jo bhi ho, aadmi toh chala gaya na (whatever happened, the man is gone).” Mallik alleged that similar tactics—demoralization, power plays, and exclusion—are now targeting Kartik, a self-made star who rose from outsider status to box-office gold with hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Chandu Champion.

Mallik praised Kartik’s resilience, noting, “Aaj aap dekho, vohi cheezein, indirectly ya directly Kartik Aaryan ke saath karne ka bhi try karte hain log (today, people try the same things with Kartik, directly or indirectly). Voh bhi unhi problems se joojh ke, dance karte hue nikla hai, smile karte hue (he’s faced those problems, yet emerged dancing and smiling).” He credited Kartik’s family, particularly his parents, for providing unwavering support, helping him navigate the industry’s toxic dynamics. The interview, described as “unscripted and impromptu” by host Gaurav Thakur, sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with the podcast facing threat calls to be taken down, amplifying the controversy’s intensity.

X Reactions: Fans Rally, Trolls Threaten

The allegations exploded on X, with fans, critics, and industry watchers dissecting Mallik’s claims. Posts like @Its_CineHub’s, “BIG PRODUCERS, ACTORS want Sushant Singh Rajput’s FATE for #KartikAaryan,” captured the outrage, hailing Kartik’s ability to “stay on TOP” despite the odds. @kartikgreatest echoed this, stating, “Industry tried to ruin #KartikAaryan but every time he came out of it dancing and smiling,” celebrating his positivity. Fans expressed solidarity, with @Harry_dursley tweeting, “This industry & pathetic insider gang deserves its downfall. More power to #KartikAaryan for thriving against all odds.” However, the controversy took a darker turn when Gaurav Thakur revealed on Instagram Stories that he received threat calls to remove the podcast, asserting, “The podcast will not be taken down. It’s raw and unfiltered. This is not a PR move by Kartik.”

The X sentiment reflects a deep divide. Supporters like @smitaparikh2 called Bollywood “toxic,” urging a return to the “old Hindi cinema” of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan’s era, while @filmynewsnetwrk highlighted Kartik’s success despite “powerful producers and actors targeting him.” Some users, however, questioned the claims’ specificity, with one commenting, “Amaal’s exposé is bold, but who are these ‘100 log’? Name names or it’s just noise.” The public’s disillusionment with Bollywood, intensified by Sushant’s death, was evident, with @Bollywood_Base noting, “Amaal’s raw claims show Bollywood’s shine is gone. Fans are waking up.”

Speculation: Who Are the “Powerful Figures”?

Mallik’s refusal to name the “big producers and actors” has sparked rampant speculation about the culprits behind Kartik’s alleged targeting. Fans on X and Reddit’s BollyBlindsNGossip point to past incidents, like Kartik’s 2021 fallout with Karan Johar over Dostana 2, where he was replaced amid rumors of “unprofessional behavior.” Though the duo reconciled for Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, some speculate Johar’s influence as a producer could be part of the power play. Others point to major production houses like Yash Raj Films or Red Chillies Entertainment, given their clout, though no evidence directly links them. Reddit users have also named A-list actors like Salman Khan or Ranbir Kapoor, citing their industry dominance, but these remain unverified theories. One X user theorized, “It’s the same nepotism gang that pushed SSR out. Kartik’s an outsider who’s beating them at their game, and they can’t handle it.”

Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, officially ruled a suicide by asphyxia, remains a polarizing topic, with conspiracy theories about foul play persisting. Mallik’s comparison to Sushant—who faced rumors of being dropped from projects and ostracized—has fueled speculation that Kartik is battling similar exclusionary tactics, possibly through negative PR or project sabotage. The lack of concrete names keeps the debate speculative, but the public’s distrust of Bollywood’s elite, as Mallik noted, is palpable: “The aura of Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan—people have stopped believing in the magic of cinema.”

Kartik’s Upcoming Projects: A Defiant Rise

Despite the alleged blackout, Kartik Aaryan’s career is on an upward trajectory, proving his resilience. Fresh off the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Chandu Champion in 2024, he’s juggling a packed slate. His next release, Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri, a romantic drama with Ananya Panday, is currently shooting in Croatia, marking his reconciliation with Karan Johar. He’s also set to star in Anurag Basu’s untitled romantic drama and Karan Johar’s fantasy comedy Naagzilla, where he plays a shape-shifting serpent. Border 2, a war drama with Sunny Deol, and Aashiqui 3 with Anurag Basu are also in the pipeline, cementing his status as a bankable star. Kartik’s recent Zee Cine Awards 2025 win for Best Actor underscores his fanbase’s loyalty.

X users like @moviesndtv have hailed Kartik’s ability to “compete with superstars,” noting his diverse filmography, from rom-coms like Pyaar Ka Punchnama to intense roles in Freddy and Dhamaka. However, rumors of a boycott could cast a shadow, with potential risks of losing high-profile projects or facing intensified negative PR. Fans remain optimistic, with one tweeting, “Kartik’s box-office pull and fan love make him untouchable. Let the haters try.” His family’s support, as Mallik emphasized, seems to be his anchor, allowing him to navigate Bollywood’s choppy waters with a smile.

Career Impact: A Make-or-Break Moment?

The allegations raise critical questions about Kartik’s future. As an outsider who climbed to A-list status without industry backing, his success threatens entrenched power structures, much like Sushant’s did. Mallik’s claims suggest a coordinated effort to “demoralize” Kartik, potentially through exclusion from big-banner projects or smear campaigns. His past exits from films like Dostana 2 and Good Newwz 2 (rumored due to creative differences) fuel speculation that such tactics have been in play for years. Yet, Kartik’s recent hits and packed lineup indicate he’s weathering the storm.

The controversy could paradoxically boost his public support, as seen in the outpouring of love on X. Fans view him as an underdog battling Bollywood’s elite, a narrative that resonates post-Sushant’s death, which sparked nationwide debates on nepotism and mental health. However, sustained industry pressure could limit his access to top-tier directors or studios, forcing him to rely on mid-budget films or his production ventures. Mallik’s warning that “this industry has cost people their lives” underscores the stakes, but Kartik’s resilience—bolstered by his parents and fans—suggests he’s not backing down.

Conclusion

Amaal Mallik’s explosive Mirchi Plus interview has peeled back Bollywood’s glossy veneer, alleging that Kartik Aaryan faces a blackout akin to Sushant Singh Rajput’s tragic ordeal. X posts amplify the outrage, with fans rallying behind Kartik while speculating about the “powerful figures” pulling the strings. Despite the threats to silence the podcast, Kartik’s upcoming projects—Tu Meri Main Tera, Naagzilla, Border 2, and Aashiqui 3—showcase his unstoppable momentum. Whether this controversy derails his career or cements his status as Bollywood’s resilient outsider remains to be seen. For now, Kartik’s dancing through the storm, and his fans are cheering louder than ever. Stay tuned to Masala Mirror for the latest on this Bollywood bombshell and more!

Keywords: Kartik Aaryan, Amaal Mallik, Sushant Singh Rajput, Bollywood blackout, Mirchi Plus interview, powerful figures, X reactions, upcoming projects, nepotism, career impact

Meta Description: Amaal Mallik’s shocking Mirchi Plus interview claims Kartik Aaryan is targeted by Bollywood’s elite, like Sushant Singh Rajput. Explore X reactions, fan theories, and Kartik’s upcoming projects amid this controversy.