Did you know? Kartik Aaryan's Chandu Champion is based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist

Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan is getting ready for another film in 2024 after making quite an impression with his portrayal in the romantic movie SatyaPrem Ki Katha last year. He is collaborating with Sajid Nadiadwala yet again on the sports drama 'Chandu Champion,' which is helmed by Kabir Khan. But did you know that this film is based on the life of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar?

As reported by IANS, in the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, Murlikant won an individual gold medal. Not just this but he also set a world record in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event at 37.33 seconds.

Murlikant Petkar served in the Indian Army's Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) as a jawan with the rank of craftsman. In the 1965 war against Pakistan, he was shot multiple times. These wounds cost him an arm, therefore he decided to pursue a career in swimming.

Also read: Brace yourself! Kartik Aaryan completes Kabir Khan's Chandu Champion shoot - see photo

In addition to swimming, Murlikant was considering competing in other sports at the 1972 Paralympics, such as shotput, table tennis, slalom, and javelin throw. He even proceeded to win the opening round of the 1968 Summer Paralympics in table tennis. At the Edinburgh, Scotland-hosted Third Commonwealth Paraplegic Games, he took home silver in the javelin throw and bronze in the shotput. In 2018, the government bestowed upon him the Padma Shri for his numerous accomplishments.

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In the movie, Kartik Aaryan will portray Murlikant. The actor has been putting a lot of effort into his preparation for the highly anticipated sports drama since the movie's announcement. He has undergone rigorous and strenuous training. After wrapping up the shoot recently, Aaryan celebrated with the director Khan and the team by eating a Rasmalai. He even shared the video on his social media account. Take a look at it here:

More about Chandu Champion

Apart from him, the ensemble cast of Chandu Champion includes Manoj Anand, Katrina Kaif, Shraddha Kapoor, and others. The movie is backed by Kabir Khan Films, Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, and Star Studios.

Also read: Kartik Aaryan’s Republic Day greetings include a new Chandu Champion still! Watch photo here