Kabir Khan’s film, “Chandu Champion,” dives deep into the inspiring life of Padmashree Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.
This cinematic masterpiece goes beyond his historic victory at the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, where he set a new world record in the 50 m freestyle swimming event, clocking in at 37.33 seconds.
The Beginning of a Champion
From Humble Beginnings
The story of Murlikant Petkar starts when he was just an 8-year-old boy. Growing up in a family struggling to make ends meet, the odds were stacked against him.
Yet, even as a child, Petkar harbored a dream—a burning desire to win gold for India at the Olympics. This dream, coupled with his unwavering positive attitude and the mantra “Main kar lega” (I can do it), propelled him through numerous challenges.
Overcoming Challenges
Petkar’s journey was anything but easy. From swimming to boxing, wrestling, and beyond, he excelled in various sports despite numerous obstacles.
His story is one of grit, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence, making “Chandu Champion” not just a biopic but a celebration of the human spirit.
Kartik Aaryan Transforming into Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion
Playing the role of Murlikant Petkar is Kartik Aaryan, who underwent a rigorous 18-month bootcamp to prepare for the film.
“There were so many skill sets required for the character—swimming, boxing, wrestling—and Petkar was exceptional in all of them. I had problems going into the deep end of the swimming pool because I didn’t know how to swim professionally,” Aaryan told Variety. “I never imagined doing a film where I would swim like Murlikant Petkar.”
Physical and Mental Preparation
Aaryan’s preparation involved a significant physical transformation, shedding a considerable amount of body fat. He also had to master various sports, maintain patience, and achieve mental balance—a stark contrast to his previous roles in romantic comedies and light-hearted films.
“A lot of prep was required for the skill sets, for the body transformation. One needs to have a lot of patience and a lot of mental balance. I had never been in this situation before,” said Aaryan, whose recent hits include “Satyaprem Ki Katha” and “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.”
Mental Fortitude
The mental aspect of the transformation was equally demanding. Aaryan found guidance in Kabir Khan, who helped him understand Petkar’s indomitable willpower.
“I was intrigued by what Murlikant Petkar’s thought process would be. Kabir-sir used to always tell me that it’s all about the willpower. And that’s the one line of the film also—the man who refused to surrender,” Aaryan explained.
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Kartik Aaryan: From Outsider to Star’ The Journey from Gwalior to Mumbai
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kartik Aaryan does not hail from a Bollywood dynasty. The son of doctor parents from Gwalior, he moved to Mumbai to chase his Bollywood dreams.
Facing several rejections, Aaryan’s big break came through a casting call on Facebook for “Pyaar Ka Punchnama“ (2011), directed by debutant Luv Ranjan.
Rise to Fame
The male-bonding comedy “Pyaar Ka Punchnama” became a sleeper hit, followed by its successful sequel in 2015. Aaryan’s breakout moment came with the 2018 comic love triangle “Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety,” one of the year’s biggest hits.
Embracing the Role of a Lifetime
For Aaryan, playing Murlikant Petkar in “Chandu Champion” is a dream come true.
“I’m someone who’s really come from the outside world. And for me, this role is a dream and I really related to the film’s core line: the man who refused to surrender. This role is like a reward for me—a role of a lifetime,” he said.