Kartik Aaryan Wins Best Actor National Award for Chandu Champion

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan received the prestigious National Award for Best Actor on Tuesday during a ceremony in Gujarat. President Draupadi Murmu conferred the coveted Rajat Kamal medal and official certificate upon the actor.

Aaryan won the honor jointly with veteran actor Mammootty for his role in Bramayugam.

The honor marks a major career milestone for Aaryan. He earned the award for playing real-life hero Murlikant Petkar. Petkar made history as India's first Paralympic gold champion in freestyle swimming.

After accepting the prize, Aaryan stated that he felt completely speechless and deeply humbled.

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Following the presentation, Aaryan took to Instagram to share his thoughts about the life-changing win. He dedicated the national honor to every Paralympian across the nation. He also thanked people who pursue difficult goals without giving.

The actor wrote about his humble roots in Madhya Pradesh. He looked back at his early years as a boy from Gwalior who dared to dream. He noted that many people around him once laughed at such big ambitions.

Aaryan celebrated the recognition with his signature film line, saying, “Chandu Nahi, Champiyon hai Main.”.

Aaryan also expressed deep gratitude to director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala. Both filmmakers trusted him with the demanding real-life role. The actor admitted the physical training was painful, but called the final result as sweet as rasmalai.

Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion arrived in theaters in 2024 under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The biographical drama tells the true story of Murlikant Petkar. To portray Petkar accurately, Aaryan underwent intense physical training and transformed his body completely.

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The biographical sports film earned strong reviews from critics upon release. Audiences also praised Aaryan for his earnest screen performance. Looking ahead, the actor thanked the film jury, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and his family.

Calling this win a fresh starting point, he added, This is just the beginning.