Mumbai, September 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her kind and encouraging words about his film ‘Chandu Champion’ following his National Award win.
Kartik took to Instagram on Friday and shared a video from the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Kevadia, Gujarat. The actor was honoured for his performance in the sports biopic ‘Chandu Champion’, based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist.
In the video, President Murmu can be seen speaking about Petkar and congratulating the film’s team, including Kartik, for their work.
Sharing the video, Kartik wrote, “Thank you to the Honourable President Draupadi Murmu Ji for your kind and encouraging words @presidentofindia. Emotional and proud moment for me and the entire Chandu Champion team”.
Kartik shared the Best Actor honour with Malayalam cinema veteran Mammootty, who was recognised for his performance in ‘Bramayugam’.
Earlier, Kartik had shared another video from the ceremony showing him receiving the honour from President Murmu. Reflecting on his journey, he wrote about the “mumma’s boy from Gwalior” who dreamed of becoming an actor despite coming from an environment where such ambitions were often laughed at.
“Finally, I witnessed and lived the moment, still numb with excitement and nervousness. A dream of a small town boy, the dream of every actor in the country, the National Award for Best Actor,” he wrote.
Kartik also expressed gratitude to director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role of Petkar.
The 72nd National Film Awards honoured Indian cinema from 2024. ‘Article 370’ was named Best Feature Film, while Yami Gautam received the Best Actress award for the film. Rajkumar Periasamy won Best Direction for ‘Amaran’, while Randeep Hooda received Best Debut Director for ‘Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’. ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while veteran actor Anant Nag was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
FOLLOW NOW
