My characters have never waged a war against any gender. They are

The Indian actor Kartik Aaryan, whose work often explores the humor and heartache of modern relationships, once said: “My characters have never waged a war against any gender. They are all about friendship and being loyal to your friends.” Though these words may seem simple, they contain a quiet wisdom about the nature of art, understanding, and the values that should guide both character and creator. In a time when misunderstanding between men and women often turns into conflict, Kartik reminds us that loyalty, friendship, and empathy are far greater powers than division or rivalry. His reflection is not merely about film—it is about life itself, and the eternal truth that harmony between souls is built not through opposition, but through trust.

The meaning of his words lies in their rejection of hostility. Kartik Aaryan, often cast in roles that touch upon the complexities of gender dynamics, insists that the essence of his characters is not in blame or superiority, but in connection. They do not fight wars of pride or resentment; they seek understanding through friendship. Friendship, in his view, is the highest form of equality—an exchange between hearts that asks neither domination nor submission. It is a reminder that the truest relationships, whether between man and woman, friend and friend, or even artist and audience, must be built on loyalty and mutual respect, not competition.

The origin of this belief rests deep within the ancient understanding of human relationships. The sages of old, whether in India, Greece, or China, taught that harmony is the foundation of all virtue. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna not to act from anger or division, but from dharma—right intention and truth. In this sense, Kartik’s words echo an age-old teaching: that one’s role, whether on the stage or in the world, should uplift rather than destroy. The artist’s task is not to sow enmity, but to reflect the unity of the human spirit. His characters, by embodying friendship and loyalty, honor this eternal principle.

History offers many examples of such unity transcending conflict. Consider the legendary friendship of Alexander the Great and Hephaestion—two men bound not by conquest alone, but by trust and affection that surpassed ambition. Together they built empires, yet neither sought to outshine the other. Or think of Kabir, the poet-saint, who lived between Hindu and Muslim worlds, using his verses not to divide, but to unite through understanding. He too refused to “wage war” against any side, seeing instead the divine thread that runs through all beings. So too, Kartik’s words remind us that greatness—whether in life, art, or relationship—comes not from separation, but from friendship that endures across boundaries.

At the heart of Kartik’s statement lies the value of loyalty—a virtue as rare as it is powerful. In an era when alliances shift with convenience, and faithfulness is often mistaken for weakness, loyalty stands as a mark of strength. To be loyal is to choose constancy over impulse, to honor one’s commitments even when tested by doubt or distance. Loyalty to one’s friends, as Kartik emphasizes, is a reflection of loyalty to one’s own soul. For the friend is a mirror, and to betray them is to shatter a part of oneself. His characters, then, are not merely companions in stories; they are reminders of the sacred duty we owe to those who walk beside us.

Moreover, Kartik’s words can be seen as a defense of art with conscience. In an age where entertainment often thrives on polarization, he insists that storytelling should build bridges, not walls. The purpose of cinema, like that of all art, is to awaken empathy—to remind us of our shared humanity. His refusal to let his characters “wage war” against any gender is, in truth, a call for balance: to see the world not through the eyes of grievance, but through the lens of understanding. In this, he continues a long tradition of artists who sought peace through beauty—from Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote of harmony between man and woman, to filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, who portrayed love and friendship as moral forces in a divided world.

The lesson, then, is one of compassion and unity. In our own lives, we must learn to resist the temptation of blame—to see others not as opponents, but as fellow travelers. Cultivate friendships across boundaries. Be loyal not only in words, but in presence and deed. When conflict arises, seek understanding before judgment. Remember that in every relationship, whether of love or friendship, it is not victory that matters, but harmony.

For as Kartik Aaryan’s reflection teaches, true strength is not found in waging war, but in remaining loyal to peace. The artist who portrays friendship over rivalry becomes a healer of hearts, just as the person who practices friendship in life becomes a bridge between souls. Let us then be such people—faithful in our friendships, kind in our words, and steadfast in our loyalty—so that our own lives, like the finest stories, may shine with the quiet heroism of compassion.