# Kartik Aaryan wins Best Actor National Award for Chandu Champion

2026-09-22T18:47:41+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Kartik Aaryan has won the Best Actor in a Leading Role National Award for his performance in the film Chandu Champion at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony held in Gujarat on September 22. President Droupadi Murmu presented the honour and praised Aaryan's portrayal of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medallist. Aaryan shared the award with Malayalam actor Mammootty, who won for Bramayugam. In his acceptance, Aaryan described the award as a small-town boy's dream and dedicated it to every Paralympian in India. He thanked director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role. The film, based on Petkar's journey from soldier to Paralympic champion, required Aaryan to undergo a physical transformation. The ceremony also saw Article 370 win Best Feature Film and Yami Gautam win Best Actress.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four sources report the same facts neutrally: Aaryan and Mammootty winning Best Actor, President Murmu's role, and the actor's emotional response. The coverage is uniform wire-style reporting with no discernible slant. The key implication is that this award marks Aaryan's transition from a commercial star to a critically recognised actor, joining the ranks of those honoured by the state for performance. The 72nd National Film Awards recognised films from 2024, setting a benchmark for the next year's entries.

## Coverage

- bollywoodhungama.com (neutral report) <https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/kartik-aaryan-receives-best-actor-national-award-for-chandu-champion-president-droupadi-murmu-praises-his-portrayal-of-murlikant-petkar/>
  Straight reporting of award ceremony facts and President's remarks.
- timesnownews.com (neutral report) <https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/kartik-aaryan-remembers-gwalior-roots-after-national-award-win-for-chandu-champion-small-town-boy-dream-article-156205326>
  Focus on Aaryan's emotional note and journey from Gwalior.
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/a-dream-of-a-small-town-boy-kartik-aaryan-humbled-on-national-award-win-dedicates-it-to-every-paralympian-in-india-101790094506854.html>
  Leads with Mammootty's standing ovation but reports both winners equally.
- hindustantimes.com (neutral report) <https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/72nd-national-film-awards-kartik-aaryan-gets-first-best-actor-honour-mammootty-wins-it-for-4th-time-101790076595282.html>
  Leads with Mammootty's standing ovation but reports both winners equally.

Tags: Chandu Champion, Droupadi Murmu, Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, Murlikant Petkar, National Film Awards
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