'Chandu Champion' Murlikant Petkar Meets Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde After Kartik Aaryan Film's Release

Murlikant Petkar, who is the inspiration behind Kartik Aaryan’s recently released film, Chandu Champion, met Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday, June 27. In the pictures that surfaced on social media, Petkar was seen interacting with the Chief Minister at the latter’s office in Mumbai. Murlikant Petkar was greeted with flowers by Shinde.

Murlikant Petkar won the gold medal in swimming in the 1972 Paralympics and was the inspiration behind Chandu Champion. In the Kabir Khan-directed film, Kartik Aaryan played Murlikant’s role. Previously, Petkar also talked about Kartik essaying his role in the film when he told Indian Express, “When I saw Kartik Aaryan play all the sports, which I played in my youth and won medals for, on-screen and nailing them so effortlessly, I saw myself in him. He took me back in time. I cried during the screening of the film. It was an emotional moment. Kartik has done a brilliant job in Chandu Champion.”

Released on June 14, Chandu Champion has left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide. It is being widely loved by all and several celebrities have praised Kartik’s performance in the film. Recently, Karan Johar also took to his Instagram stories to laud the film when he also called it Kartik’s “career-best performance”. “Kabir Khan directs this brave and inspiring life tale like a love letter to the human spirit,” wrote Karan while sharing the film’s poster. “Kartik Aaryan gives his career-best performance with a humane and honest portrayal…A must watch,” the filmmaker added.

Prior to this, Javed Akhtar also called Kartik’s performance in the film a “delightful surprise”. “Watched Chandu Champion. Who would have believed it if it not would have been a 100% true story particularly enjoyed the 2nd half. Another feather in Kabir Khan’s cap. Kartik is a delightful surprise in a dramatic role. Vijay Raaz is brilliant. Cinematographer Sudeep Chatterji’s work is mind blowing. My hats off to the editor,” he wrote.

Chandu Champion has earned a little over Rs 62 crore at the box office as of now.