Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’ Revives Murlikant Petkar’s Legacy and Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dream
Kartik Aaryan’s portrayal of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar, stirs national emotion as the film traces a journey once begun by Sushant Singh Rajput.
Key Highlights:
Murlikant Petkar Biopic Rekindles National Attention
Murlikant Petkar is back in national discourse with the critically acclaimed film Chandu Champion. Released in 2024, the movie highlights the incredible life of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist while paying silent tribute to the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who was originally cast in the lead role.
Who Is Murlikant Petkar? From Soldier to Paralympic Champion
- Born in 1944, served in the Indian Army
- Injured during the 1965 Indo-Pak war
- Took up swimming as part of rehabilitation
- Won India’s first Paralympic gold in 1972 at Heidelberg
Petkar’s story represents triumph over adversity. His legacy was largely unsung until Bollywood brought it into the spotlight through Chandu Champion.
Sushant Singh Rajput: The Original Choice for Murlikant Petkar
The film’s emotional core is tied to Sushant, who had begun preparing for the role in 2019. Reports indicate he completed almost 15% of filming before his sudden demise in 2020. His dedication to portraying Petkar was evident in his rigorous training regime.
Director Kabir Khan later confirmed that the script was developed with Sushant in mind, adding to the film’s poignant resonance.
Kartik Aaryan’s Portrayal of Murlikant Petkar Shines Bright
After Sushant’s passing, Kartik stepped into the role. His powerful performance has won praise from critics and fans alike. Aaryan underwent months of physical transformation and training, even spending time with Petkar to understand his mindset.
His preparation included:
- Combat fitness drills
- Swimming and adaptive sports coaching
- Interactions with army veterans and Paralympic athletes
Chandu Champion: A Film That Honors Two Legacies
Chandu Champion does more than narrate a biographical tale—it honors two heroes: the real-life Paralympian and the late actor who had dreamt of portraying him. The movie earned over ₹200 crore at the box office and sparked discussions about disability, grit, and forgotten Indian champions.
Murlikant Petkar’s Message to the Nation
In an interview last week, Petkar praised both Sushant and Kartik, stating:
“Both young men embodied my struggle. One began the journey, and the other fulfilled it. This film is not just my story—it’s now theirs too.”
Murlikant Petkar’s Life Now Immortalized On Screen
With Kartik breathing life into the character and the silent shadow of Sushant adding emotional depth, Chandu Champion has achieved something few biopics manage—it has immortalized a legend and given closure to a generation of moviegoers.
Murlikant Petkar may have won his medal in 1972, but his true recognition is unfolding now—in the hearts of millions, and on cinema screens across the country.
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