Kartik Aaryan took a trip down memory lane as Chandu Champion completed two years since its release. The actor, who portrayed India’s first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in the Kabir Khan directorial, shared an emotional note on social media, reflecting on the life-changing experience of bringing the inspiring story to the big screen.

Kartik Aaryan gets emotional as Chandu Champion completes two years; hints at reunion with Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala

Alongside a still from the film, Kartik opened up about the physical and emotional transformation that went into playing the celebrated athlete. The actor described the project as one of the most significant milestones of his career and credited it with reshaping his outlook on perseverance and self-belief. “Two years ago, I stepped into the shoes of a man the world had forgotten, and he ended up reminding me of everything I believed in,” Kartik wrote.

The actor went on to recall the dedication required for the role, including the rigorous preparation and dramatic physical transformation he underwent for the film. He continued, “I’m not sure I’ve fully put it into words yet, but I’ll try. This film isn’t just about a man who refused to give up, it’s about the scars that become medals, setbacks that become comebacks. The 18 kilos I lost were nothing compared to everything I gained.”

Calling Chandu Champion the most special film of his life, Kartik added, “#ChanduChampion is the most special film of my life. To play Murlikant Petkar, I had to become someone I’d never been before. Every early morning, every drop of sweat, every moment of self-doubt on set- it wasn’t acting. It was living. Chandu’s story taught me that the world will laugh at your dream before it applauds it. That the finish line belongs to those stubborn enough to keep running. I carried that with me every single day of this shoot and honestly, I still do.”

The actor also expressed gratitude towards director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for entrusting him with the ambitious biographical drama. “Kabir Sir, thank you for trusting me with a story this sacred. Sajid Sir, for making it possible and always being that powerhouse !! And to every single person behind the camera, the ones who ran with me at 5 AM & the ones who pushed me when I wanted to stop”, he wrote further.

However, it was the concluding line of his post that caught the attention of fans. Hinting at another collaboration with Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, Kartik shared, “P.S. Can’t wait to share with you all what we have next for you. Bas thoda sa intezaar… Champions will be back!”

The post quickly garnered reactions from members of the film’s team. Director Kabir Khan responded, “What a journey Champ @kartikaaryan Zindagi Bhar yaar rahega…. So proud of this film..” Meanwhile, television host and producer Mini Mathur commented, “And you made an amazing chandu / murli … your determination, grit , will.. so inspirational KA.”

Released in 2024, Chandu Champion chronicled the extraordinary life of Murlikant Petkar, who overcame immense challenges to become India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Apart from Kartik Aaryan in the lead role, the film featured Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, and Aniruddh Dave in pivotal roles. The film was praised for spotlighting a remarkable yet lesser-known chapter of Indian sporting history.

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan has an exciting slate ahead. The actor will next be seen in Naagzilla, a fantasy comedy backed by Dharma Productions and directed by Mrighdeep Lamba. He also has Hansal Mehta’s Captain India in the pipeline, where he is expected to portray a pilot. With multiple projects lined up and a mysterious tease about a new venture with Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala, fans are eagerly waiting to see what the actor announces next.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan drops ‘Rowdy Baby’ reel on International Dance Day; fans can’t get enough