Mumbai: Zee Cinema, this weekend, brings to screens the inspiring journey of Murlikant Petkar with the World Television Premiere of Chandu Champion - a man who overcame incredible odds and achieved greatness hard to even imagine.
Directed by Kabir Khan and featuring a powerful performance by Kartik Aaryan, the film not only showcases the triumph of the human spirit but also pays homage to the true stories of resilience.
Kartik Aaryan opens up about the challenges, triumphs, and his experience portraying India's first Paralympic gold medalist.
“Preparing to portray Murlikant Petkar involved completely overhauling my diet and lifestyle. I had to eat unfamiliar foods that didn’t always taste good, which was a challenge for someone like me who loves food. This transformation not only changed my body but also turned me into a more meditative and positive person. I followed a strict regimen for about 18 months, focusing on working out diligently and adjusting my calorie intake,” Aaryan said.
“Despite the initial struggle to adapt, I eventually embraced this disciplined lifestyle—eating on time, sleeping on schedule, and regularly going to the gym. Leaving my previous eating habits was tough, I’ve grown accustomed to this new routine, which, although not always pleasurable in taste, has positively impacted my overall well-being,” he said.
“The training for Chandu Champion was unlike anything I had experienced before, requiring various skill sets, including swimming, boxing, and wrestling. I faced specific challenges, such as overcoming my fear of deep water since I didn’t know how to swim professionally,” Aaryan said.
“The dramatic physical transformation took a lot of patience and mental balance, as I had to lose a significant percentage of body fat. This boot camp lasted around 18 months and involved intense preparation for the physical demands of the role, including war sequences and wrestling scenes. Unlike my previous work in romantic and comedy films, this role pushed me beyond my comfort zone and demanded a level of dedication I had never encountered before,” he said.
“I’m someone who's come from the outside world. And for me to do a role like this is a dream and I related to the one line of the film, which is ‘the man who refused to surrender’. So for me, this was playing the role of a lifetime. This role has allowed me to showcase the determination and resilience I strive for every day,” Aaryan said.
He said working with Kabir Khan on Chandu Champion was just extraordinary. His vision and attention to detail are genuinely inspiring.
“When Kabir first shared the story of Chandu Champion with me, I was amazed by its intricate twists and turns, I even found myself asking whether it was based on a true story or fiction! Portraying Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist and a man who refused to give up, is a tremendous honor for me. Kabir has a remarkable talent for drawing out the best performances from his actors, creating an atmosphere that encourages creativity and teamwork. His guidance was instrumental in bringing this powerful narrative to life,” Aaryan said.
“I truly hope that viewers walk away feeling inspired by Murli's journey. The film is about never giving up, no matter the obstacles you face. It emphasizes that success isn't just about talent; it's about hard work, passion, and resilience. I believe that everyone has their battles to fight, and if Murli can overcome his, then so can we all. I want audiences to feel a sense of hope and motivation to chase their dreams, no matter how daunting the journey may seem,” he added.