Kartik Aaryan dedicates first National Award to parents, calls them his 'world'

Actor Kartik Aaryan received his first National Film Award from President Droupadi Murmu for his performance in Chandu Champion at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Tuesday, September 22. The ceremony also marked the first time that the awards were presented outside New Delhi. Kartik later shared a photograph with his parents on social media to mark the milestone.

The Chandu Champion actor shared a picture with his parents on his Instagram story and wrote, "With my world for the biggest moment of my life (sic)." Kartik was named Best Actor in a Leading Role for playing Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion. He shared the honour with veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, who was recognised in the same category for his performance in Bramayugam.

Released in 2024, Chandu Champion is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Petkar served in the Indian Army and was injured during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, after which he was left paralysed. He later turned to sport and went on to win the 50-metre freestyle swimming gold at the 1972 Paralympics. The film traces his journey from an aspiring wrestler to a soldier and then a para-athlete who continued despite repeated setbacks.

For Kartik, Chandu Champion marked a noticeable shift from the romantic comedies and mainstream entertainers that had defined much of his career. He played Murlikant Petkar at different points in his life — first as a young man pursuing wrestling, then as an Army serviceman, and later as a para-athlete after a war injury. The role required him to move between these phases without turning Petkar into a one-note inspirational figure. The film instead spends considerable time on his disappointments, physical limitations and repeated attempts to find a new direction.

The preparation for the role also extended beyond simply changing his appearance. Kartik underwent physical training for the sporting portions of the film and worked on swimming and other aspects required to portray Petkar’s athletic career. He also had to portray the physical effects of the injury and the changes in Petkar’s body and movement across different stages of his life. Much of the performance consequently depends on physicality, particularly in the portions set around his military service and sporting career, while the later sections require a more restrained approach as Petkar deals with life after his injury.

Kartik’s win was part of a wider list of honours at this year’s National Film Awards. Article 370 was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress in a Leading Role for the same film. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Director for Amaran, and Kalki 2898 AD was recognised as Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Randeep Hooda won Best Debut Film of a Director for Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Several popular films, including Pushpa: The Rule Part-02, Stree 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, also featured among the winners.

The ceremony also saw veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema over a career spanning more than five decades. The 72nd National Film Awards recognised films certified during 2024 across feature films, non-feature films and writing on cinema.

For Kartik, the National Award comes as he moves into another phase of his career. His recent release was Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, his romantic comedy with Ananya Panday, which has since premiered on Prime Video. He is also working with director Anurag Basu on an upcoming romantic drama alongside Sreeleela, while his announced line-up includes Naagzilla and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4.