Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Actor Kartik Aaryan celebrated his National Award win for Chandu Champion with an emotional note, describing the honour as a dream come true for the “small-town boy” from Gwalior. The actor won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar at the 72nd National Film Awards.
Looking back at his journey, Kartik recalled the “mumma’s boy from Gwalior” who dared to dream of becoming an actor despite coming from an environment where such ambitions were often laughed at. Sharing a video from the National Film Awards ceremony, he wrote, “Looking back affectionately with a smile at that mumma’s boy from Gwalior who dared to dream of becoming an actor from an environment, Jahan log aise sapno par haskar chale jaate the (Where people usually laughed at such dreams). Finally, I witnessed and lived the moment… still numb with excitement and nervousness (sic).”
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The actor added, “A dream of a small-town boy…the dream of every actor in the country…The National Award for Best Actor ‘Chandu Nahi, Champiyon hai Main’ (sic).”
The actor expressed gratitude to director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Kartik described the journey of bringing Petkar’s story to the big screen as “extremely painful”, but said the result made it all worthwhile.
“I will always be grateful and indebted to Kabir sir and Sajid sir for trusting me with the responsibility of playing India’s first Paralympic Gold Champion- Murlikant Petkar sir, on the big screen. The journey was extremely painful, but the result is as sweet as rasmalai! I feel humbled and emotional at the same time (sic),” he wrote.
Kartik also credited his parents, friends and team for supporting him throughout his career. He said his belief in himself, his parents’ blessings and unconditional love, his friends’ encouragement and the efforts of his team had been his “constant companions” during the journey.
Dressed in formal traditional attire, Kartik accepted the award with his parents cheering from the audience.
The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor dedicated his National Award to India’s Paralympians and everyone who continues to pursue seemingly impossible dreams. “I would love to share my biggest honour with every Paralympian in the country and with everyone who dares to dream the impossible and never gives up!” he wrote.
He even thanked the National Film Awards jury, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and President Droupadi Murmu for the honour. He concluded his note by saying he hoped the National Award would be “just the beginning” of many more milestones.
The actor even got emotional after President Droupadi Murmu congratulated him in her speech and praised his hard work.
Bringing Murlikant Petkar’s inspiring journey to the big screen was no easy task. To portray the 1965 war veteran-turned-Paralympic gold medallist, who excelled in swimming and javelin throw, Kartik underwent a gruelling 14-month physical transformation. He shed body fat and trained extensively in swimming and boxing to authentically step into Petkar’s shoes.
Directed and produced by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion stars Kartik Aaryan in the titular role as India’s first Paralympics gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
