Kartik Aaryan’s ‘I sometimes call my exes’ remark sparks debate on relationship boundaries; Ananya Panday calls it a red flag

What happened: Kartik Aaryan admitted on The Great Kapil Show that he occasionally calls his exes even while dating someone new.
• Why it matters now: The comment triggered a larger discussion online about emotional boundaries and respect in relationships.
• What changes for people: Experts say the moment is a reminder to set clear expectations and communicate limits early in a relationship.
• Who is affected: Young couples, those navigating past relationships, and anyone dealing with unclear emotional boundaries.

Kartik Aaryan’s candid moment on a comedy show has unexpectedly opened up a serious conversation about emotional boundaries, honesty, and modern relationships.
The actor’s confession that he still reaches out to former partners, even while dating someone new, surfaced in a playful segment but quickly evolved into a wider debate on what behaviour qualifies as a red flag.

The moment that sparked the conversation

During a recent appearance on The Great Kapil Show, Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday joined host Kapil Sharma to promote their upcoming film. What began as light-hearted banter shifted when the actors were asked to judge different relationship scenarios.

When Kapil jokingly hinted at Kartik’s alleged pattern of having a “new heroine with every new film,” the game moved into questions about dating behaviour. In response to one prompt, Kartik casually admitted, “I do it sometimes… I call my exes even when I am dating.”

Ananya immediately labelled the behaviour a red flag, a reaction that resonated strongly with viewers online.

Why this hit a nerve

In an era where past relationships often linger through social media, messaging apps, and mutual circles, Kartik’s admission tapped into a common dilemma: Where is the line between staying cordial and crossing emotional boundaries?

Relationship therapist Dr. Meera Shah explains that while occasional cordial contact is normal, regular or emotionally charged communication with a former partner can create uncertainty and insecurity for the current partner. She notes that transparency and clarity are essential to prevent misunderstandings.

What experts advise

Experts say setting healthy boundaries early on is crucial.
Key recommendations include:

• Underline expectations clearly: Partners should openly discuss what feels comfortable regarding contact with exes.
• Prioritise emotional clarity: Any ongoing communication should not interfere with current commitments.
• Respect mutual comfort zones: Boundaries must be agreed upon, not imposed.
• Recognise signs of unresolved attachments: Consistent need to reach out to an ex may reflect lingering emotional ties.

Dr. Shah adds that calling an ex “occasionally” is not automatically harmful, but it becomes problematic when hidden or when it affects the trust dynamic.

Why mobile readers care

Modern relationships operate in a digital landscape where past connections are never fully out of reach. Kartik’s viral remark exposes how seemingly harmless actions can raise deeper questions about trust, communication, and respect in today’s dating culture.