On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, celebrated across India with great fervor, Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan took to social media to share a memorable Dahi Handi sequence from his recent film ‘Chandu Champion’. The film, now streaming on Prime Video, has already garnered immense praise from audiences and critics alike, primarily for Kartik’s portrayal of Indian Olympic swimmer Murlikant Petkar.
Fresh off the success of ‘Chandu Champion’, Kartik Aaryan has truly captivated the hearts of moviegoers with his flawless performance in this sports drama. The film showcases the inspiring journey of Murlikant Petkar, an Indian paralympic gold medalist whose story of grit and determination has been beautifully brought to life by Aaryan on the big screen.
Combining his on-screen dynamism with his off-screen charm, Kartik carried the fervent energy of his film into the real-life celebration of Krishna Janmashtami. The actor, donning the festive colors, revisited one of the highlights from ‘Chandu Champion’—the Dahi Handi sequence. To further commemorate the festival, Kartik took to his social media platforms to share this particular scene from the film. While wishing his fans a joyful Janmashtami, he expressed his excitement and the special nature of the scene in the caption, stating: “For the first time in my career, Shot a Dahi Handi Sequence for #ChanduChampion and it really is so so special.. Felt the energy, the adrenaline and the spirit of this festival in every moment we captured. Happy Janmashtami🤗”
The actor’s social media post received an overwhelming response, with fans and fellow celebrities showering him with praise. This is only a fraction of the accolades he’s been receiving since the film’s release. The performance in ‘Chandu Champion’ has earned Kartik significant recognition, including a win at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 (IFFM) for Best Performance (Male).
Filmmaker Kabir Khan, who helmed ‘Chandu Champion’, also received the Best Director trophy at the same festival. Speaking about this achievement, Khan shared the special importance of the award, owing it to the validation from an international jury composed of celebrated filmmakers and critics. “Since it was from an international jury, who are judging you only on the basis of the film, it gives you validation.
. When I heard Chandu Champion’s story, I knew it had to be told, and if I didn’t tell this story, it would be a crime that our country would never get to know about Murlikant [Petkar],” Khan remarked.
The journey of making this biopic was not without its challenges. Both the director and his leading man had to undergo significant transformations to bring the story to life. Kabir Khan recalls, “The making was tough given the kind of transformation Kartik had to go through. It’s not easy to go from 39 per cent body fat to seven per cent. He dedicated a year-and-a-half to learning boxing because he fought against real boxers in the film.”
Kartik Aaryan’s dedication to his role is clearly evident not only in his physical transformation but also in the painstaking authenticity he brought to his character. The grueling preparation entailed rigorous physical training and extensive boxing lessons, showcasing Kartik’s commitment to portraying Murlikant Petkar with the utmost sincerity.
Meanwhile, Kartik’s career continues to ride a high wave. With a line-up of big releases on the horizon, he is set to star in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, anticipated for a Diwali release. Following that, he will be seen in the much-awaited sequel ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh 2’ and Anurag Basu’s musical love story.
As an actor known for his versatility, Kartik has managed to make a seamless transition between different genres, adding depth to his filmography. His willingness to undertake such challenging roles underscores his status as one of Bollywood’s leading talents.
On the festive note of Krishna Janmashtami, Kartik Aaryan’s revisiting of the Dahi Handi sequence from ‘Chandu Champion’ not only serves to promote a film that carries an important social message but also connects him more deeply with his audience. It’s a testament to how art and culture can intertwine and celebrate the shared heritage and values of a community, making both the festival and the film resonate more profoundly in the hearts of fans across the globe.
Indeed, with the combination of his acting prowess and genuine engagement with his fans, Kartik Aaryan continues to inspire and entertain, making significant strides in the entertainment industry.
