‘I Find Kindness Tremendously Attractive,’ says Aashim Gulati

Long before Aashim Gulati charmed his way into the hearts of Indian film audiences with his performance in Anubhav Sinha’s Tum Bin 2, the actor was making his mark on the small screen as an actor to watch out for. Whether it’s films or OTT web series, Aashim Gulati is just getting started.

“It’s been exhilarating, to say the least,” says Aashim, “I’ve learnt so much on the job. I didn’t think much of where I’d get to work, in terms of the platform, but the fact that I got to work was so exciting, and to be able to do what I love was all I could ask for. I feel a lot more confident in my skin as an artist.”

The actor, who completes a decade in the industry this year, claims that being in front of the camera sets him free. “There’s great confidence in the freedom, and also the fact that you’re not always going to get it right. But to consistently show up despite that…there’s magic in that!” he tells Manifest. “Self-love for me is a lot about accepting my flaws and my missteps and not getting bogged down by it! It builds from there on, the self-love!”

For the cover shoot for Manifest, Aashim took on the role of a laid-back but super chic groomsman in handwoven summer fabrics, pared-back cuts, and monochrome tones. In real life, the actor’s wedding guest style is a little bit different. “It’s effortlessly sharp! I love a well-fitted classic black suit.”

In a freewheeling chat, the actor opens up about all the things he loves about Indian weddings, his ideal partner, his dream wedding destination and more…

In Conversation with Aashim Gulati

Manifest: Do you believe in grand gestures of love, or quiet consistency?

Aashim Gulati: “Always quiet consistency. If you consistently keep doing something, it would compound to be grand gestures.”

M: What’s your idea of a relationship that works?

AG: Where there is friendship, respect, compatibility and choosing to be with one another every single day, that should be the one that sticks.

M: How do you balance personal vulnerability with being in the public eye? 

A: Mostly by keeping my private life super private and learning that sharing my truth is not always about giving all of me away, but to give as much as I deem important and be okay with that. 

M: What’s a piece of relationship advice that’s stayed with you? 

AG: Communication is EVERYTHING!

M: Are you a romantic at heart, or someone who grows into love slowly?

AG: It depends. I’d say I’m mostly romantic, though.

M: What’s your favourite part about Indian weddings? At a wedding, where are we most likely to find Aashim Gulati?

AG: You’ve got to love everything about the Indian weddings. I’ll definitely be on the dance floor and then wherever the food set up is. 

M: If you were planning your wedding, what kind of ceremony would it be: Grand or intimate?

AG: Intimate.

M: Do you think grooms get enough attention at Indian weddings?

AG: Not as much as the bride, and that is just fine.

M: What’s your go-to fragrance for a festive evening or special occasion?

AG: Recently, it’s been Tom Ford Ombré Leather

M: What role do you normally play in a friend’s wedding—the planner, the party-starter, or the emotional anchor?

AG: The party starter!

M: What’s one wedding tradition you would never skip?

AG: The Anand Karaj at a Sikh wedding. It’s just beautiful.

M: What’s a non-negotiable on your dream wedding guest list?

AG: I really haven’t thought about that! I don’t care too much about the outfits. Just the best vibes and purest energies, anddddd a chaat counter. 

M: If you could have a destination wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be?

AG: Africa 

M: What’s your go-to dance track at a sangeet or for the dance floor? 

AG: ‘Ishq Tera Tadpawe’ by Sukhbir 

M: If you had to write your wedding vows, what’s one line they’d include?

AG: ‘I promise to put the AC temperature to whatever you want for the rest of my life.’

M: What’s a memory from a real or onscreen wedding that gives you goosebumps?

AG: Recently, it’s the one from Lal Singh Chaddha when the song plays during Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s wedding in the film. That was beautiful.

M: How would you describe your dream partner in three words?

AG: Unshakeably kind, empathetic, weirdly humorous.

Photographs by Avani Rai; Fashion and creative direction by Gautam Kalra; Artist PR: People Kind; Hair & make-up: Anu Kaushik. Stylist: Kaveri Sharma; Bookings Editor: Varun Shah; Production: VG Creatives