Kartik Aaryan has expressed his gratitude after receiving his first Indian National Film Award for Best Actor, describing the achievement as a deeply special moment in his journey, writes Hindustan Times.
The 72nd Indian National Film Awards were presented on Tuesday at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, where President Droupadi Murmu presented Kartik with the Rajat Kamal and certificate for his performance as Paralympic champion Murlikant Petkar in the 2024 film ‘Chandu Champion’.
Kartik later shared photographs from the ceremony on Instagram.
Reflecting on his journey from Gwalior to receiving one of India’s most prestigious film honours, Kartik wrote, “Looking back affectionately with a smile at that little boy from Gwalior who dared to dream of becoming an actor, coming from an environment where people would laugh at such dreams and simply move on.”
“Finally, I witnessed and lived the moment… still numb with excitement and nervousness,” he added.
Calling the award a dream shared by actors across the country, Kartik wrote, “A dream of a small-town boy… the dream of every actor in the country… The National Award for Best Actor. ‘I am not Chandu, I am a champion.’”
He also thanked director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role of Murlikant Petkar.
“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, 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,” he wrote.
Kartik credited his parents, friends, team and his own belief for helping him through his career.
“The only constant companions in this long journey have been my belief in myself, my backbone — my parents’ blessings, their unconditional love and support, my friends’ encouragement at every juncture when I was losing hope, and my team, who works tirelessly to make my work life smooth. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this impossible journey,” he wrote.
Kartik dedicated the honour to India’s Paralympians and people who continue to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
“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! Thanks to the respected Jury, I&B Ministry and the honourable president for the moment. In the end, I would like to believe and say that this is just the beginning of many more milestones to come,” he concluded.
Kartik shared the Best Actor honour with veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, who received the award for his performance in ‘Bramayugam’.
Directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, ‘Chandu Champion’ is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist in freestyle swimming.
Kartik underwent a major physical transformation and intensive training to portray the athlete. The film was released in 2024 and his performance received widespread appreciation from audiences and critics.
