Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has shared his first picture on social media after his controversial exit from Karan Johar's upcoming production Dostana 2.

In the black and white picture on Instagram, Kartik wears a mask that covers the entire lower half of his face. The close-up picture seems to have been clicked in the winter, as the actor wears a jacket and a hood beneath. He looks intensely into the camera as his long hair flows in all directions.

In a clear message exhorting fans to wear masks, Kartik just dropped a mask emoji as a caption.

Fans were overjoyed to hear from the star, going by the response in the comment section.

Earlier this month, Karan Johar's banner Dharma Productions officially announced that Kartik would no longer star in their upcoming production, Dostana 2.

"Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence -- we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin D'Cunha. Please wait for the official announcement soon," the announcement read.

Kartik has since then refrained from commenting on the controversy.