A brand-new video has gone viral, showing former flames Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan meeting at a glitzy screening, sparking joy, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia. Shared today by Bollywood Life, the clip captures Kartik greeting ex-girlfriend Sara with a heartfelt, cozy hug that left onlookers, including actress Vidya Balan, quite surprised.
A hug that said so much!
At the special Mumbai screening of Ananya Panday’s series Call Me Bae, Kartik and Sara crossed paths on the red carpet. Decked out casually, Kartik in a cream sweatshirt and jeans and Sara in stylish denim, the duo embraced warmly. The lengthy hug sparked a wave of reactions, with fans urging, “When did the IT couple turn into an ex but still cute couple?”
It wasn’t just a fleeting embrace; they shared a second hug as they exited, making the moment even sweeter and more sentimental.
Vidya Balan’s surprise and why it matters
What many weren’t expecting? Vidya Balan’s reaction. In the video, she watches their moment in mild shock, pausing mid-step, eyes widening, as if thinking, “Is this real life?” It’s those subtle, candid celebrity expressions that make us feel like we’re part of the glitzy crowd.
The story behind the hug
Their connection isn’t new. Kartik and Sara dated around 2019 during the shoot of Love Aaj Kal (the Imtiaz Ali directorial, a follow-up to the Saif–Deepika starrer). The couple was frequently spotted together—hanging out, airport drop-offs, warm embraces—earning the affectionate ship name “Sartik.”
Though they eventually went their separate ways, fans have never forgotten their chemistry.
Rekindling old affection at industry events
Over the years, Kartik and Sara’s interactions at public events continued to draw attention. In Metro… In Dino screenings, Kartik was seen protecting Sara amid crowds, suggesting they still share a close bond.
And in September 2024, their reunion at a “Call Me Bae” screening resulted in affectionate hugs, playful banter, and fans fanning the flames of romance rumors.
What this reunion could mean
Could we see Kartik and Sara share screens once again? Maybe. With Anurag Basu’s upcoming collaboration between Kartik and Sreeleela and Sara busy with her own schedule, there’s plenty to look forward to. But this hug? It definitely fed the foodiest fans: the hope for an on-screen or real-life rekindling.
One thing’s certain: fans are thrilled to see them so warm and comfortable together, even years after their breakup.
Final thoughts
This simple hug at a screening reminds us why “Sartik” impacted Bollywood. Their on-screen pairing in Love Aaj Kal, sweet moments like airport drop-offs, and public reconnections keep nostalgia alive. Add Vidya Balan’s surprised reaction, and you’ve got all the elements of a viral gossip frenzy.
As far as Bollywood love stories go, this one still holds magic, and the internet is here to celebrate it.