Who Is Real Life Chandu Champion? Meet Murlikant Petkar, India's First Paralympic Gold Medalist Who Inspired Kartik Aaryan's Film
'Chandu Champion', starring Kartik Aaryan, is set to release on theatre next month. The film will transport you to the heroic life of Murlikant Petkar.
Kartik Aaryan seems to be on track to have his finest performance with director Kabir Khan’s next biographical drama ‘Chandu Champion’. The teaser of the film shows a story of hope, devotion, and the value of perseverance.
In ‘Chandu Champion’, Kartik Aaryan wins hearts with his depiction of Murlikant Petkar. From his humble beginnings to the acclaim he received for his extraordinary accomplishments, the film promises to cover it all. To bring Murlikant to life onscreen, Kartik Aaryan had to put in many hours of training and preparation. Let us get to know more about Murlikant Petkar.
Who is Murlikant Petkar?
Murlikant Petkar was born in the Peth Islampur region of Sangli, Maharashtra in November 1, 1944. A paralympic gold medalist and a hero of the war, he made history for India. While serving in the Indian Army, Murlikant was a tradesman known as a jawan in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME). While in EME, Secunderabad, he fought as a boxer.
Murlikant was left disabled after suffering nine bullet wounds during the 1965 war with Pakistan. He opted not to give up once his injuries healed, and he began participating in swimming and other sports again.
It was a historic moment when he became India's first Paralympic gold medalist. Not only did Petkar win the 50-meter freestyle swimming event, but he also set a new world record with a time of 37.33 seconds. His skills extended beyond swimming; he played a variety of sports, including slalom, javelin, and precision javelin throw. It's incredible that Petkar not only competed but also reached the finals in all of these sports.
His athletic accomplishments were honoured with the esteemed Padma Shri award in 2018, a fitting tribute to his lasting impact on Indian sports history and the lasting legacy he has left behind.
Late in his 50s, he started working for Telco in Pune.
More About Chandu Champion
Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan have joined forces to produce ‘Chandu Champion’. The film was first mentioned by Kabir Khan in July 2022 and officially announced by Sajid Nadiadwala with a motion poster on July 4, 2023. Kartik Aaryan stars in the lead role, marking his second collaboration with Nadiadwala after ‘Satyaprem Ki Katha’ (2023).
Filming began on July 12, 2023, with a ceremonial puja in London, followed by a second schedule in Kashmir starting on September 24, 2023. Additional filming took place in the Wai village of Maharashtra. After eight months, the shooting concluded on January 31, 2024. A notable highlight includes an 8-minute single-shot war sequence filmed in the Aru Valley of Jammu at 9000 feet above sea level.
‘Chandu Champion’ is set for release on June 14, 2024.
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