Kartik Aaryan’s ‘Chandu Champion’ Journey Comes Full Circle as Kabir Khan Celebrates His National Award Win With Rasmalai!
As Kartik Aaryan wins the National Award for Best Actor for Chandu Champion, director Kabir Khan shared a heartwarming celebration video, revisiting a sweet milestone from the actor’s intense physical transformation.
MUMBAI: As Kartik Aaryan clinched the National Award for Best Actor for Chandu Champion, director Kabir Khan took to social media to celebrate the landmark achievement in the sweetest way possible. In a newly shared video, Kabir and Kartik are seen celebrating the victory together over bowls of Rasmalai — bringing back a deeply special memory from their two-year journey on the film.
A Four-Year Journey Comes Full Circle
Sharing the video, Kabir Khan penned an emotional note reflecting on the film’s evolution from its initial announcement to nation-wide acclaim:
“On the 18th July 2022 Kartik, Sajid and I announced #ChanduChampion… and the next two years was the most fabulous journey together. We made a film that we will always be very proud of. Exactly 4 years after that announcement came another announcement that brought the journey full circle… Kartik Aaryan wins the NATIONAL AWARD for Best Actor for CHANDU CHAMPION.”
“Ye sahi mein Chandu nahin Champion hai 💪🏻 Aur is khushi mein ek nahi do Rasmalai toh banti hai ❤️❤️”
The Story Behind the Rasmalai
The Rasmalai holds a unique significance in Kartik’s Chandu Champion experience. To portray Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar, the actor underwent over a year of rigorous athletic training and an intense physical transformation. As part of his strict fitness regime, he completely abstained from refined sugar for over twelve months.
When the film wrapped its demanding eight-month shooting schedule, Kabir Khan famously treated Kartik to his favorite sweet on set — marking the first time the actor had eaten sugar in an entire year. At the time, Kartik shared the moment on social media, writing:
“This RasMalai Tasted Like Victory! Finally eating sugar after a year!!”
A Sweet Victory for a Dedicated Performance
With Kartik securing the country’s highest acting honor for the performance he sacrificed so much for, Kabir Khan’s gesture brought that iconic wrap-day moment full circle.
From giving up sweets to achieve an elite athlete’s physique, to tasting sugar again at the film’s wrap, and now celebrating the highest cinematic recognition with Rasmalai once more, the celebration marks a fitting tribute to the actor’s relentless commitment and dedication.
By Keerti Kadam