Mumbai: Kartik Aaryan has added a National Film Award to his list of career milestones, winning Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chandu Champion at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Gujarat on Tuesday. The actor shared the honour with Malayalam superstar Mammootty, who was recognised for his performance in Bramayugam.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, on September 22. The ceremony marked the first time the National Film Awards were held outside New Delhi, with the government announcing plans to take future editions to different parts of the country.
For Kartik, the moment carried a deeply personal significance. The actor later celebrated the achievement with his parents, sharing a picture with them and referring to them as “my world”. He also reflected on his journey from Gwalior to one of Indian cinema’s most prestigious stages, describing the honour as a dream for a small town boy.
Kartik’s winning performance came in Kabir Khan’s Chandu Champion, in which he portrayed Murlikant Petkar, the Indian Paralympic champion whose remarkable life story inspired the film. The sports biopic follows Petkar’s journey through adversity and his pursuit of excellence in sport.
The National Award announcement had originally been made on July 18, when the winners of the 72nd National Film Awards, covering films certified in 2024, were declared. Kartik and Mammootty were jointly named Best Actor, while Yami Gautam won Best Actress for Article 370.
The awards brought recognition to several major films and performers. Article 370 won Best Feature Film, while Rajkumar Periasamy received Best Direction for Amaran. Sanjay Mishra was honoured as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Bhakshak. Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, while Randeep Hooda was recognised for his directorial debut, Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
The ceremony also saw veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.
For Kartik, however, the evening ultimately came down to one unforgettable achievement his first National Film Award, marking a significant new chapter in a journey that began in Gwalior and eventually brought him to the national stage.
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