'WINNING BEST ACTOR AWARDS FOR BOTH BHOOL BHULAIYAA 3, CHANDU CHAMPION IN A YEAR FEELS SURREAL'

For Kartik Aaryan, 2025 will always remain one of his most special years, with big film announcements one after the other, and of course, his Best Actor wins: IIFA for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Filmfare for Chandu Champion, both 2024 releases. As we catch up with him, the confidence shines through, in both his choices and ambition:

- Rishabh Suri

Winning your first-ever Filmfare Best Actor award for Chandu Champion - for a new-generation star like you, did the film feel like an 'experiment,' and was the win a vindication of sorts?

Honestly, I didn't look at Chandu Champion as an experiment at all. The moment I heard the story of (India's first paralympic gold medallist) Murlikant Petkar ji, I was surprised and deeply moved. I felt this was a story of incredible resilience, courage, and self belief; one every Indian should know. I could totally relate to his story and considered myself truly blessed to get the opportunity to portray such an inspirational real-life hero on screen. I will always be indebted to Kabir (Khan, director) sir and Sajid (Nadiadwala, producer) sir for trusting me with this incredible story. Winning the Filmfare Best Actor award feels like a huge validation, not just for me but for the kind of cinema that celebrates real stories and the human spirit.

Is Chatori (your newest pup) a present you have given to yourself for your Chandu Champion win?

(Laughs) Yes, you can say that!