Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan celebrate Murlikant Petkar's Arjuna Award honour

Kartik Aaryan and Kabir Khan celebrate Murlikant Petkar's Arjuna Award honour

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan and director Kabir Khan celebrated the remarkable achievement of Murlikant Rajaram Petkar, who was honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award (Lifetime) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, recognizing his inspiring contributions to Indian sports.

In an interview with ANI, Kabir Khan, who brought Murlikant Rajaram Petkar's inspiring story to life in Chandu Champion starring Kartik Aaryan, expressed his joy over the athlete receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award.

“I am just really, really happy that this is happening with Murlikant Petkar because the one thing that I did feel which in a certain way I also represented at the beginning of the film is that he kinda felt let down by the country. You know, when I met him, he was not the kind of person who would complain. But you could make out that there’s a man who’s feeling why didn’t I get the recognition that was due to me? And I’m so glad that after over 50 years he’s getting that recognition which he deserved," Kabir Khan said.

Murlikant Petkar, wounded by nine bullets during the 1965 war with Pakistan, displayed remarkable resilience by returning to sports after his recovery. In 1972, he etched his name in history as India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Taking to his Instagram, Kartik Aaryan expressed his gratitude for the same and wrote, "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 getting 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 "

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The Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 actor also mentioned about his happiness and said, "So, so, so happy to hear this news! While working on his biopic, I came to know about his life in such great detail and up close and personal that his win feels deeply personal. He has remained unbreakable and solid throughout his life, despite all the challenges destiny threw at him."

The actor called the news the “best way to start the year." “I have met many sports personalities, but Murlikant sir’s sportsmanship and headstrong attitude are unmatched. Hearing about this honour is the best way to start the year. Murlikant sir, you are our country’s finest champion – truly one of a kind," he added.

Chandu Champion was released in June 2024 and got mix reviews from the critics as well as the audience.