Kartik Aaryan Embarks on a Transformational Journey for ‘Chandu Champion’ Role
Kartik Aaryan, one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars, is diving into new territory with his latest project, “Chandu Champion.” This film not only marks Aaryan’s first collaboration with acclaimed director Kabir Khan but is also his debut biopic. Most notably, it is the first time that the actor has taken on a role demanding such extensive physical preparation.
In “Chandu Champion,” Aaryan embodies the character of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Portraying a revered sports figure required Aaryan to immerse himself deeply into the athletic world. He had to master three different sports: wrestling, boxing, and swimming. “Preparing for the film was a thrilling challenge,” Aaryan shares. “I had to embrace wrestling, boxing, and swimming—three demanding sports. The preparation for this role pushed my boundaries, but I accepted the hard work and discipline with enthusiasm.”
The film’s narrative unfolds over several decades, capturing pivotal moments of Petkar’s life. Murlikant Petkar’s journey began in Sangli, during his formative years, and led him to face devastating injuries in the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. Undeterred by the odds, Petkar went on to win the gold medal in freestyle swimming at the 1972 Summer Paralympics. Given the depth and complexity of his character, Aaryan’s role required not just acting prowess but a full-fledged physical transformation and athletic training.
Reflecting on the rigorous process, Aaryan says, “Recreating Petkar’s inspiring journey meant mastering the sports he excelled in. Each sport had its challenges, but that made portraying Petkar even more fulfilling.”
One of the most formidable aspects of Aaryan’s preparation involved swimming, a sport in which Petkar shone brightly. To ensure an authentic portrayal, Aaryan trained with Virdhawal Khade, an Arjuna Award-winning swimmer. Under Khade’s guidance, Aaryan honed his swimming skills over an intense eight-month period, striving to match Petkar’s style and form. The preparation also included understanding the technical nuances of freestyle swimming and building the necessary endurance.
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The wrestling aspect of his preparation was equally demanding. Wrestling was one of Petkar’s early sports passions during his youth. Aaryan had to start from scratch, learning the fundamentals and techniques critical to the sport. This preparation was crucial in depicting the early years of Petkar’s life accurately. Aaryan revealed, “Wrestling required immense physical strength and agility. It was daunting, but every session brought me closer to resonating with Petkar’s early life and his commitment to the sport.”
Meanwhile, boxing training spanned a comprehensive 14 months. Aaryan’s rigorous schedule included mastering various boxing techniques, understanding the sport’s strategic elements, and ensuring he could realistically perform in the scenes. Boxing, often considered a mental game as much as a physical one, brought an additional layer of complexity to Aaryan’s preparation.
“Chandu Champion” stands out as one of the most physically demanding films for Aaryan, but he relished the challenge. “Each sport required unwavering dedication and time, but it was worth every effort. The training made the character’s journey more authentic and rewarding for the audience,” he asserts.
Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of Murlikant Petkar is not just about replicating an athlete’s physical capabilities but also about understanding the courage and resilience that define Petkar’s legacy. “Chandu Champion” aims to capture the essence of an extraordinary life—a story of perseverance, determination, and breaking barriers against all odds.
Summing up his transformative experience, Aaryan says, “Working on this film has been a significant journey. It’s been tough, but every step was a learning curve. I hope to do justice to Petkar’s inspiring life and tell his story with the respect it deserves.”
With “Chandu Champion,” Kartik Aaryan is setting a new benchmark in his career, showcasing not just his acting skills but his ability to fully transform and push his limits. The film promises to be a poignant tribute to a sports legend, bringing Murlikant Petkar’s remarkable journey to the silver screen for audiences worldwide.
