Kartik Aaryan has won his first National Film Award for his performance in Chandu Champion. After receiving the Best Actor honour from President Droupadi Murmu at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, the actor shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey from Gwalior to one of Indian cinema’s biggest stages.
Kartik Aaryan marked a major milestone in his career on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, after receiving the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his performance in Chandu Champion.
The actor received the prestigious honour from President Droupadi Murmu at the ceremony held in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
The award recognises Kartik’s portrayal of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, in the Kabir Khan-directed sports biographical drama.
For Kartik, the National Award represents his first such national honour and a significant moment in a career that began with aspirations that were not always taken seriously.
Kartik Aaryan Shares Emotional Note After National Award Win
Following the ceremony, Kartik took to Instagram to reflect on the achievement and the journey that brought him to the National Awards stage.
The actor recalled his early years in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and the doubts surrounding his ambition to become an actor.
Describing himself as a “mama’s darling who dared to dream where people laugh at such ambitions,” Kartik wrote about the overwhelming emotions that came with receiving an award he described as an ultimate aspiration for an actor.
His message focused not only on his personal achievement but also on the story behind Chandu Champion and the resilience represented by Petkar’s life.
Kartik Dedicates Award to Paralympians and Dreamers
Kartik used the occasion to acknowledge India’s Paralympic athletes and people who continue pursuing their ambitions despite significant challenges.
The actor dedicated the honour to Paralympians across the country as well as to those who continue to chase their dreams despite difficult circumstances.
His portrayal of Murlikant Petkar required him to step into the life of an athlete who overcame physical adversity to become a Paralympic champion.
Kartik also expressed gratitude to Kabir Khan and the film’s creative and technical teams, along with the Government of India for recognising the sports drama.
The National Award therefore marked a moment that connected the actor’s performance with the real-life sporting journey at the centre of the film.
Chandu Champion Marked a Transformation for Kartik
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion was inspired by the life of Murlikant Petkar.
The role required Kartik to undergo a significant physical transformation and portray different stages of Petkar’s life and sporting career.
The actor’s National Award win now becomes one of the defining achievements associated with the film.
For Kartik, the recognition also represents a notable point in his progression from an outsider trying to establish himself in Hindi cinema to an actor receiving one of India’s most prominent film honours.
Kartik Aaryan’s Upcoming Films
The National Award comes as Kartik prepares for another busy phase of his career, with several projects in development or announced.
Among them is ** Naagzilla **, a creature comedy that is expected to be one of his upcoming theatrical releases.
His reported lineup also includes ** Aashiqui 3 **, ** Captain India ** and ** Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4 **.
Kartik is also set to collaborate with Kabir Khan again on another sports-oriented biographical project, according to reports. In addition, he is associated with an untitled relationship drama directed by Anurag Basu.
The projects span comedy, romance, action, horror and drama, giving Kartik a varied slate following the recognition he received for Chandu Champion.
A Defining Moment in Kartik Aaryan’s Career
Kartik’s National Award win gives his journey a new milestone.
From pursuing an acting career despite scepticism during his early years to portraying a real-life Paralympic champion on screen, his path has now reached one of the industry’s most prestigious award stages.
For the actor, however, the honour also carries the legacy of the person he portrayed.