Mumbai/Patna: Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has achieved a major milestone in his career by winning the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion.
The award was announced as part of the 72nd National Film Awards, which are being presented on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. This marks Kartik Aaryan’s first National Film Award.
Kartik shares the Best Actor honour with veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, who received the award for his performance in Bramayugam.
Directed by Kabir Khan, Chandu Champion is inspired by the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist. Kartik portrayed Petkar and underwent significant physical preparation for the role.
The actor arrived in Gujarat ahead of the ceremony and also visited the Statue of Unity before the awards. He was seen at the ceremony alongside several other National Film Award winners.
The 2026 ceremony is particularly notable because, for the first time, the National Film Awards are being held outside New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu is presenting the awards at Ekta Nagar.
For Kartik Aaryan, the honour marks a significant recognition of his performance in a role that was very different from many of his earlier commercial films.
