Kartik Aaryan has reached a major milestone in his career by winning his first National Film Award for Best Actor at the 72nd National Film Awards. The actor was honoured for his critically acclaimed performance in Chandu Champion, a film that showcased a completely different side of him and marked one of the most challenging roles of his career. Soon after receiving the honour, Kartik was seen visiting the Ujjain Mandir to seek blessings, making the moment even more special for the actor and his fans.
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion is based on the extraordinary life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Rather than being a fictional sports drama, the film tells the inspiring true story of a man who refused to let adversity define him.
Murlikant Petkar served in the Indian Army before suffering severe injuries during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Despite the life-altering setback, he displayed incredible resilience and went on to create history by winning a gold medal in swimming at the 1972 Paralympic Games, becoming India’s first Paralympic champion. Kartik’s portrayal of Petkar’s determination, struggles and triumph earned widespread praise from audiences and critics alike, ultimately leading to the country’s highest honour in cinema.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DbDI6YnCFS0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
The National Award marks a defining moment in Kartik Aaryan’s journey in Bollywood. Over the years, the actor has steadily evolved from delivering commercial entertainers to taking on performance-driven roles, and Chandu Champion has now become one of the biggest highlights of his career.
Looking ahead, Kartik has an exciting slate of films. He will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy comedy directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, where he takes on the unique role of a shape-shifting serpent. The film is slated for release on August 14, 2026. Fans can also look forward to his return as the much-loved Rooh Baba in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, which is currently in development.
With a National Award now to his name, a spiritual visit to the Ujjain Mandir after the win, and an exciting lineup of projects ahead, Kartik Aaryan continues to cement his place as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and bankable stars. For the actor, Chandu Champion has become more than just another film it is a career-defining performance that celebrates the inspiring legacy of a real-life champion.
