Actor Yudhvir Ahlawat has become one of the biggest breakout stars of Netflix’s cop drama Kartavya, thanks to his impressive performance as teenage Harpal. While audiences praised his natural portrayal of the young character, many were equally shocked to learn that the actor is actually 33 years old. His youthful appearance has now become one of the most talked-about aspects of the film, with even co-star Saif Ali Khan admitting that he believed Yudhvir was a real teenager.
Saif Ali Khan’s Priceless Reaction
During a promotional interview for Kartavya, Saif Ali Khan was asked to name his favourite scene from the film. While discussing the performances, the actor couldn’t stop praising Yudhvir Ahlawat.
“Harpal is very good. I treated him like a 16-year-old,” Saif said, referring to Yudhvir’s character.
It was then that director Pulkit revealed the surprising truth Yudhvir wasn’t a teenager at all but a 33-year-old actor. Saif’s stunned reaction instantly became a viral moment, leaving fans equally amazed by the revelation.
“Everyone Thought I Was a Child Artist”
Speaking about the experience, Yudhvir shared that Saif wasn’t the only person who misunderstood his age. According to the actor, almost everyone on the set initially assumed he was a child artist because of his youthful face.
“In the beginning, everyone treated me like a child artist. Later, Pulkit sir told everyone that I was actually 33 years old. After that, people like Sanjay Mishra sir and the rest started treating me like any other adult actor,” Yudhvir revealed. He added that the shift in behaviour was noticeable once the cast and crew learned his real age.
Hiding His Age During Auditions
Yudhvir also opened up about a strategy he followed during his acting career in Mumbai. The actor admitted that for nearly a decade, he often chose not to reveal his exact age during auditions. Since he was frequently auditioning for teenage or college-going roles, he worried that casting directors might reject him immediately if they knew he was in his thirties. Instead, he would first audition for the role and only reveal his birth year after making it onto the shortlist. According to Yudhvir, this approach helped him land opportunities that may have otherwise slipped away.
From Being Bullied to Becoming a Star
Yudhvir’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Growing up in Haryana, he often faced teasing because of his soft facial features and shorter height compared to his brothers, who all stood over six feet tall. What was once a source of insecurity eventually became one of his biggest strengths in the entertainment industry. His ability to convincingly portray much younger characters has now earned him widespread recognition and praise.
A Breakthrough Performance
Following the release of Kartavya, Yudhvir’s performance received appreciation from both critics and audiences. His popularity soared online, and he even climbed to the top of IMDb’s trending Indian celebrities list, briefly ranking above some of the country’s biggest stars.
Before his breakout role in Kartavya, Yudhvir appeared in films such as Saand Ki Aankh and Love Hostel. He also performed in the acclaimed stage production Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical.
With his remarkable acting talent and unique screen presence, Yudhvir Ahlawat has proven that age is just a number in the world of cinema. His performance in Kartavya has not only won hearts but has also established him as one of Bollywood’s most promising rising actors.
