Kartik Aaryan Pens Emotional Note After Best Actor Win for Chandu Champion

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan achieved the crowning milestone of his cinematic journey on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, receiving the prestigious Best Actor award from President Droupadi Murmu at the grand 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat. The coveted honor recognizes Aaryan’s transformative biographical portrayal of India’s pioneering Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in the Kabir Khan directorial Chandu Champion.Marking his first-ever National Award, the milestone represents a defining validation for the outsider actor, who reflected on his long, arduous path from a small-town dreamer in Madhya Pradesh to the pinnacle of Indian cinema.'I'm Not Chandu, I'm a Champion': Kartik Dedicates Historic Win to ParalympiansTaking to his official Instagram handle following the ceremony, Kartik shared an emotional note recounting how his acting aspirations were met with skepticism during his early life in Gwalior.Describing himself as "mama's darling who dared to dream where people laugh at such ambitions," the actor stated he remains overwhelmed with a blend of nervous excitement and gratitude after living out every actor's ultimate aspiration. Emphasizing the resilience embodied by Murlikant Petkar’s life, Kartik dedicated the national honor to every Paralympian across the nation and to all dreamers who battle insurmountable odds, extending deep appreciation to filmmaker Kabir Khan, the creative crew, and the Government of India for recognizing the sports drama.Packed Franchise Slate Ahead: From 'Naagzilla' to 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4' and Anurag Basu CollabFollowing his historic National Award triumph, Kartik Aaryan is positioned for an exceptionally busy theatrical lineup across varied genres.Leading the upcoming roster is the high-concept creature comedy Naagzilla, which will be the first among his newly announced projects to hit cinema screens nationwide. Beyond that, the actor is committed to a massive commercial slate that includes romantic musical Aashiqui 3, aerial-rescue thriller Captain India, and the fourth installment of the blockbuster horror-comedy franchise Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4. Additionally, Aaryan will reunite with Kabir Khan for another sports biopic project and headline an untitled relationship drama helmed by auteur Anurag Basu, cementing his standing as one of the most prolific leading men in contemporary Hindi cinema.