In a heartwarming confluence of reel and real life, Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan recently shared his profound emotions as he witnessed Murlikant Petkar, the inspiration behind his latest film “Chandu Champion,” receive the prestigious Arjuna Award. The ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, was a momentous occasion that left Aaryan feeling “surreal” and deeply proud.
From Reel to Real: A Story of Inspiration
“Chandu Champion,” directed by Kabir Khan, tells the extraordinary life story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Petkar’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity. A soldier in the Indian Army, Petkar was severely injured during the 1965 war, leaving him with permanent disabilities. However, he refused to be defined by his injuries and went on to become a champion swimmer, winning gold at the 1972 Paralympics in Heidelberg.
The film portrays Petkar’s struggles and achievements, including his long-standing desire to receive the Arjuna Award, one of India’s highest sporting honors. In a remarkable turn of events, Petkar was finally conferred with the Arjuna Award, coinciding with the release of the film that celebrates his life.
Aaryan’s Emotional Response: “Every Moment Was Like a Dream”
Kartik Aaryan, who portrays Petkar in “Chandu Champion,” was present at the Arjuna Award ceremony and shared his emotional experience on social media. He posted a video featuring a scene from the film alongside footage of Petkar receiving the award, expressing his deep sense of pride and surreal feeling.
“From living your incredible life on the big screen to witnessing you receive the Arjuna Lifetime Achievement Award at Rashtrapati Bhawan today, it felt surreal,” 1 Aaryan wrote. “Every moment was like a dream. Now our film #ChanduChampion seems to have found its perfect ending (it started with you fighting for the Arjuna Award), but knowing you, an unstoppable champion, this can’t be the climax… Keep inspiring Sir.”
Aaryan further elaborated on his feelings, stating that working on the biopic had given him a deep understanding of Petkar’s life and struggles. He expressed immense happiness at Petkar receiving the award, calling it a “deeply personal” moment.
Petkar’s Gratitude: A Tribute to Collective Support
Murlikant Petkar also shared his thoughts on receiving the Arjuna Award, expressing his gratitude to the makers of “Chandu Champion” for bringing his story to the world. He acknowledged that the award was not just a personal achievement but also a tribute to the “collective support and belief of many remarkable individuals.”
Petkar specifically thanked Sajid Nadiadwala, the film’s producer, for believing in his story and dedicating resources to bring it to the screen. He recognized Nadiadwala’s support as crucial in making the film a reality.
A Celebration of Resilience and Achievement
The Arjuna Award ceremony was a celebration of Murlikant Petkar’s extraordinary life and achievements. His journey from a war-injured soldier to a Paralympic gold medalist and now an Arjuna Award recipient is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity.
Kartik Aaryan’s presence at the ceremony and his heartfelt expressions further amplified the significance of the occasion. His portrayal of Petkar in “Chandu Champion” has not only brought Petkar’s story to a wider audience but also deepened the emotional connection between the actor and the real-life hero.
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society, both in the field of sports and beyond. Murlikant Petkar’s story is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating that with determination and resilience, anything is possible.
