Para-swimmer Murlikant Rajaram Petkar is honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award (Lifetime) by the Sports Ministry. Kartik Aaryan, who starred in Chandu Champion, which is based on Petkar's life, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram and congratulated the Paralympic gold medalist.
The caption read, "Huge Huge Huge Congratulations to Sri Murlikant Petkar Ji. Our film, #ChanduChampion begins with the scene of you fighting for the Arjuna Award and now seeing you receiving the biggest sports honour of the country... the journey feels complete."
"Your win feels personal, Sir... Congratulations to the real Champion! Words cannot amply express this emotion. You are finally getting your due, and we are all so proud of you, Sir (sic)," Kartik added.
For the unversed, Murlikant Petkar, who was wounded by nine bullets during the 1965 war with Pakistan, never gave up on his passion for sports. After recovering, he returned to athletics and made history in 1972 by becoming India's first Paralympic gold medalist. He had applied for the Arjuna Award back in 1982, but his application was rejected. Disheartened, he vowed never to apply for any awards again.
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion narrates the story of a sportsman's resilience and determination. Kartik Aaryan steps into the role of Chandu. The film is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist in freestyle swimming.
On the professional front, Kartik Aaryan was last seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, co-starring Triptii Dimri, Vidya Balan and Madhuri Dixit He also has an untitled project with Karan Johar in the line-up.
The actor, who made his Bollywood debut with Luv Ranjan's 2011 film Pyaar Ka Punchnama, has been a part of several films such as Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Luka Chuppi, Guest Inn London, Satyaprem Ki Katha, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety among others. He also starred in Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal 2.