Actor Kartik Aaryan marked one of the biggest milestones of his career with a spiritual visit to the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain after winning his first-ever National Award for his performance in Chandu Champion.
The actor was honoured with the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for his portrayal of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in the sports biographical drama. Kartik shared the prestigious honour alongside veteran actor Mammootty, who was recognised for Bramayugam.
Following the historic achievement, Kartik chose to celebrate the special moment by seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. Taking to Instagram, the actor shared pictures from his visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple, where he was seen offering prayers with folded hands.
Dressed in a simple baby pink shirt, Kartik completed his temple visit with a traditional tilak on his forehead. Sharing a glimpse of his spiritual journey, he kept his caption short and heartfelt, writing, “Jai Mahakal.”
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A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)
The actor was also accompanied by his parents during the visit. He participated in the Shayan Aarti at the temple and followed the traditional ritual of whispering his wishes into the ears of Nandi Maharaj before offering prayers at the Mahakal shrine.
Kartik’s visit came shortly after the announcement of his National Award win. The actor had earlier shared an emotional video capturing his mother’s reaction to the news, expressing how special the achievement was for him.
Sharing his feelings on social media, Kartik wrote that some moments are bigger than words and described the award as a dream he had carried for years. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and called the honour a deeply humbling experience.
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion tells the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, who overcame several challenges to become India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. The film also featured actors including Vijay Raaz, Bhuvan Arora, Yashpal Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, and Shreyas Talpade.
Although the film received appreciation from critics and audiences, especially for Kartik’s transformation and performance, it had a moderate run at the box office. However, the actor’s dedication and portrayal of the real-life champion earned him widespread praise.
On the work front, Kartik Aaryan has several exciting projects lined up. He will be seen in Anurag Basu’s upcoming musical romantic drama alongside Sreeleela. He is also preparing for Karan Johar-backed Nagzilla, where he will play an icchadhari naag (shape-shifting snake). The film is scheduled to release in 2027.
With his first National Award now added to his achievements, Kartik Aaryan has entered a new phase in his career, celebrating success with gratitude, faith, and a deep connection to his roots.

