Kartik Aaryan Admits to Lying About Swimming Skills to Land Role in Chandu Champion

The sports drama Chandu Champion represents a significant milestone in Kartik Aaryan’s acting journey. While the movie underperformed at the box office, it highlighted Kartik’s versatility as an actor.

During a recent media interaction, Kartik shared an anecdote about how he secured the role—a small lie about his swimming skills that ultimately cost him a year and a half of intense training.

A Lie That Changed Everything

At a recent event, Kartik was asked if he had ever lied to land a film role. Reflecting on his experience, he confessed to fabricating his swimming abilities when approached by filmmaker Kabir Khan for Chandu Champion.

“I had already read the script and really loved it. So when Kabir sir asked me if I knew professional swimming, I lied and said that I do. In reality, I could only do enough to keep myself afloat,” Kartik revealed.

The Cost of a Small Lie

This minor fabrication led to significant consequences for the actor. Given that swimming was integral to the role, Kartik underwent rigorous training for one and a half years to master the skill.

“One and a half minutes of lying cost me one and a half years,” he joked. The transformation was essential, as the film’s narrative required him to convincingly portray a Paralympic champion excelling in swimming.

The Inspirational Story of Murlikant Petkar

Chandu Champion is a biopic based on the life of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist.

Born on November 1, 1944, in Maharashtra, Petkar overcame numerous challenges to achieve greatness in multiple sports, including wrestling, hockey, and swimming.

His crowning achievement came in 1972 when he won a gold medal in swimming at the Summer Paralympics. The film captures various phases of his life, shedding light on his resilience and determination.

The Challenges of Portraying a Legend

The film marked Kartik’s first collaboration with Kabir Khan and producers Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan.

For Kartik, the role demanded not only physical transformation but also a deep emotional connection to Petkar’s story.

The intense preparation involved extensive swimming lessons, a commitment that Kartik embraced wholeheartedly to bring authenticity to the role.

Mixed Reception and Critical Acclaim

Released on June 14, Chandu Champion received a lukewarm response at the box office. However, Kartik’s dedication and performance were widely praised.

His portrayal of Murlikant Petkar showcased his ability to take on challenging roles and deliver compelling performances. Despite its commercial performance, the film stands as a testament to Kartik’s growth as an actor.

Reflecting on the Journey

During an appearance at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024, Kartik revisited his experience of working on Chandu Champion. He reiterated how his initial lie about swimming turned into a life-changing commitment.

“I had already read the script and loved it. So when Kabir sir asked if I knew professional swimming, I said I did,” he recalled. The journey, though demanding, was a testament to his passion for the craft.

The Broader Impact of the Film

Chandu Champion serves as a heartfelt tribute to Murlikant Petkar’s legacy. The narrative highlights his triumphs and struggles, inspiring audiences with his determination and grit.

For Kartik, the role was not just a professional milestone but also a personal journey of perseverance and self-discovery.

A Year of Highs and Lows

While Chandu Champion did not achieve commercial success, it was part of a significant year for Kartik.

Following the film, he delivered the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, further cementing his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most versatile stars.

Lessons in Dedication and Resilience

Kartik’s journey with Chandu Champion underscores the importance of dedication and resilience in achieving excellence.

His unwavering commitment to the role, despite the initial lie, showcases his determination to do justice to the story of a true champion.