Chronicling Kartik’s transformation to play the role of a Paralympics athlete in Chandu Champion, actor’s trainer Tridev Pandey on turning him into an athlete
Kartik Aaryan
In the world of film-making, physical transformation journeys can often leave audiences and critics alike in awe. Kartik Aaryan’s metamorphosis for his role in Chandu Champion is one such story. As we delve into the incredible physical transformation Aaryan underwent, his trainer Tridev Pandey’s guidance was paramount to achieving these exceptional results.
“When we started training, Kartik was not in shape. His fat percentage was 39, which falls under the obese category,” explains Pandey, a national-level boxer entrusted with the task of turning the actor into a convincing athlete for the film based on India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. In those early days, Aaryan, who had just wrapped up filming for Freddy and weighed 90 kilos, struggled to perform basic exercises. “He couldn’t do a single full-range push-up or execute a pull-up,” shares Pandey.
The transformation journey was two-fold: altering Aaryan’s body to look fit for the big screen and training him to look and move like a boxer. Unlike films where boxing scenes are brief and choreographed, Chandu Champion required Aaryan to participate in six substantial fight sequences. This meant that the actor had to train as a boxer from scratch.
Pandey’s approach combined boxing techniques and athletic physique training over a grueling 14-month regimen. Bodyweight training was the bedrock of their strategy, a methodology Pandey emphasized due to its importance in developing speed, strength, and agility—crucial elements for a boxer. “By the end of our training, Kartik could perform push-ups with a 50-kilo weight on his back and pull-ups with up to 27.5 kilos,” says Pandey with evident pride.
To ensure comprehensive training, the duo split Aaryan’s days into two halves—boxing sessions in the morning followed by strength training in the evening. Recovery played a crucial role in their routine. “If he had a good recovery, we’d hit strength training the next morning. Otherwise, we’d do cardio and basic boxing exercises like jabs and hooks,” elaborates Pandey.
Describing Aaryan’s training regime, Pandey recounts the actor performing 15-20 repetitions of exercises with enough weights to induce muscle fatigue. As Aaryan’s strength increased, so did the weights and repetitions.
. Starting as a novice, within 14 months Aaryan advanced to performing professional-level exercises. “Technique work, like skipping, was essential because initially, he couldn’t do it,” Pandey explains, noting that boxers need to stay agile and move constantly during fights. “Skipping develops strength in calf muscles, agility, stamina, and endurance. By the end of our training, Kartik could pull off 15 variations of skipping.”
Kartik Aaryan’s adaptability was a key factor in his rapid progress. “He mastered a variety of skills, from handstand push-ups to pushing heavy weights,” says Pandey. Remarkably, all of the fitness scenes in the film showcase Aaryan himself, without a body double. “He achieved all this naturally, without steroids. Instead, he followed a strict diet and consumed protein supplements, multivitamins, and other recovery aids,” highlights Pandey. They reduced Aaryan’s diet from 2,200 to 1,800 calories, focusing on a balanced intake to support his rigorous training.
By the end of their training, Aaryan’s fat percentage plummeted from 39% to an impressive 7%, a composition typically associated with professional athletes.
The film not only stands as a testament to Aaryan’s determination but also honors Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist. Petkar’s achievements are commendable—winning an individual gold medal in the 1972 Summer Paralympics and setting a world record in the 50-meter freestyle swimming event. Pandey recalls an inspiring interaction with Petkar during filming: “Petkar, who learned swimming after the age of 21, epitomizes mental grit and physical resilience. Meeting him was humbling; his achievements in wrestling, boxing, and swimming reflect his unwavering strength of mind.”
Petkar’s story is one of indomitable spirit. Disabled during the 1965 war against Pakistan due to severe bullet injuries, he went on to achieve monumental accolades. As Pandey narrates, “Petkar, at 83, walked in with a lathi, donned in his military shirt and jacket adorned with medals, a sight that gave me goosebumps.”
Kartik Aaryan’s journey from a 90-kilo actor struggling to do push-ups to portraying a top Paralympic athlete is a narrative of dedication and hard work, guided by expert hands. The story behind Chandu Champion serves as an inspiration, illustrating what one can achieve with resilience, proper training, and an unyielding will to succeed.
