SerpApi.Org
Actor Kartik Aaryan has officially bagged his first National Film Award for Chandu Champion, turning his intense physical and mental transformation into ultimate cinematic gold. In an exclusive chat with India Today, director Kabir Khan opens up about his immediate reaction to the historic win, missing Kartik's celebratory video call, and why he calls this an unforgettable "performance for the ages."
Q: You directed Kartik Aaryan to his first National Award. It's for a film that's so close to you, and I think it's extremely personal, right? I wanted to know, when you heard about it, what went through your mind? And did you speak to Kartik? What has happened so far?
Kabir Khan: Yeah, you know, it's strange. Actually, I missed Kartik's video call. I was busy with meetings, and when I got out of the meeting, I saw that he'd made a video call. By that time, one of my team members came up to me and said the National Awards had been announced and Kartik had won. So, obviously, I immediately called him and we had a chat.
I'm really happy for Kartik. I'm really proud of what he's done for Chandu Champion. And yes, of course, I take it as a win for all of us. It's a film that all of us worked really hard on, and Kartik underwent a complete transformation—physically and mentally. I'm so glad the hard work he put in has paid off because it's always great when an actor puts in that kind of effort.
Q: Absolutely. Were you expecting it?
Kabir Khan: I would have been very disappointed if it hadn't come to him because I genuinely believe—and I don't say this because it's my film—that it's a performance for the ages.
What happens sometimes is that with mainstream actors, their stardom overshadows their acting ability. They're often slotted into a certain category. But what Kartik pulled off in Chandu Champion — I know because I'm a director and I can see it—was not easy.
There was an extreme level of dedication and hard work. It wasn't just about the physical transformation, and it wasn't confined to one aspect. There were several different physical challenges, including playing an older man, learning a new dialect, and mastering skills that are clearly visible on screen.
It's not easy to learn boxing and box the way he did. It took him one and a half years of training to fight against international-level boxers because those weren't actors—they were real boxers.
Then there was learning how to swim without using his legs. Anyone who swims knows how difficult that is. If you ask someone to swim without their legs in an Olympic-sized pool against international swimmers and still look convincing, it's incredibly tough.
So yes, I'm really happy for him and for all of us. For me, it's a personal win.
Q: It is. An actor is only as good as his director, as everyone says. And let's be honest — if he's put in so much hard work, you've put in just as much to help bring that performance out. So congratulations to you as well.
Kabir Khan: Thank you. Thank you.
Q: Are you guys planning any celebration? I mean, it deserves to be celebrated.
Kabir Khan: That goes without saying—we'll celebrate, 100%. Kartik and I are actually shooting our second film together right now, so we're still working together. But we'll definitely take some time off and celebrate. A big party will definitely follow.
