Meet Murlikant Petkar, The War Hero Whose Real Story Inspired Kartik Aaryan's 'Chandu Champion'
Do you know Kartik Aaryan's upcoming movie Chandu Champion is a biopic on a war hero and India's first Paralympics gold medalist? The Kabir Khan directorial is one of the highly anticipated movies inspired by the life of a war veteran who survived nine bullet injuries.?
Kartik Aaryan shares new look from Chandu Champion on Republic Day 2024
On the occasion of Republic Day, Kartik Aaryan shared a new look from his upcoming movie Chandu Champion. As he shared a new photo, he wrote, "Being a Champion is in every IndianĄ¯s bloodĄ Jai Hind." As he shared new photos, fans wrote, "You look so smart in the uniform! CanĄ¯t wait for Chandu Champion anymore". Another fan wrote, "What a powerful look! This is gonna be game-changing! not only for you but for Bollywood! cannot hold in my excitement. june needs to come asap!"
Here's everything you need to know about?Murlikant Petkar!
Known for his courage and determination!
Born on October 13, 1944 at Peth Islampur in Sangli district of Maharashtra, Murlikant Petkar served in the Indian Army as a soldier of the craftsman rank in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 1965. Originally a boxer, he was on a high as he won a medal at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo, Japan in the year 1964. As a result of which, he was asked to Jammu and Kashmir. However, his life changes upside down after the army camp he was supposed to visit got under an aerial attack during the 1965 war against Pakistan and he suffered nine bullet injuries that left him paraplegic for life.
Nine bullets didn't stop him
"All I remember now is that we were just resting after having our lunch. Suddenly the Havildar Major came shouting. Some of us, half asleep as we were, thought we were being called for tea. I remember there was some confusion and some jawans just went outside and were killed," he was quoted as saying.
He was first taken to a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir and later he was moved to the Navy hospital in Mumbai. He was bedridden for two years and even lost his memory for some time.
The second innings: How he made a comeback
During his time there, he had undergone?physiotherapy. The doctors who were treating him motivated him to take up a sport as part of the rehabilitation programme, and thus, sports became his purpose.?
A recipient of the Raksha Medal in 1965,?Murlikant Petkar was?discharged from service in 1969. Before that, he had already participated in the Maharashtra State Athletic Meet in 1967 and became state champion in shot put, javelin throw, discuss throw, table tennis and archery.
He also participated in table tennis in the 1968 Paralympic Games. He even cleared the first round. However, he had to make an exit in the next round. But his resolve was there for everyone to see. He then focussed on swimming.?He was so good at swimming that he was selected to represent India internationally.
And he won a gold medal!
The?1972 Paralympic Games changed his life once again as he became the first Indian to win a gold medal in?Paralympic Games. He won four medals in swimming and was later employed at TELCO in Pune.?
And then, he worked at Telco, Pune for 30 years
As the Tatas came forward to rehabilitate maimed soldiers, Petkar refused monetary help and instead asked for work.?"They were very happy and I was given a job?at Telco in Pune where I worked for 30 years."
He greeted the President in military style as he received Padma Shri award
In 2018, he was awarded with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India, for his selfless service for the nation by then President Ram Nath Kovind. As he walked in to receive the honour, he stood upright in front of the President, greeting him in military style. The crutches tied to his forearms prevented him from offering a cracking salute to the Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces.
It was a special moment for him as in 1982, the government rejected Petkar's claim for an Arjuna Award.
"I have put all that behind me. I am glad that the government finally recognised my achievements. I did feel disheartened when I was denied an Arjuna Award on the ground that I was a disabled person," Petkar told IANS soon after he was conferred the Padma Shri.
"I made a bundle of all my certificates and medals and stashed them away, resolving never to make an application for any award again. Then, on January 25 this year, I got a call from the government that I had been shortlisted for the Padma Shri," he said.
Do you know Sushant Singh Rajput was the first choice for?Murlikant Petkar's biopic Chandu Champion?
Sushant had even confirmed the same in 2016. This was right after the success of MS Dhoni: The Untold Story. He was quoted as saying, "The minute I heard his story I was on. I wanted to do it without a second thought. What an inspiring story! After playing Dhoni IĄ¯m looking forward to playing Petkar who never allowed his physical hurdles to stand in the way of his dreams. I like playing characters who dream big."
And now,?Kartik Aaryan will realise Sushant Singh Rajput's unfulfilled dream of playing the role of?Murlikant Petkar in his biopic titled Chandu Champion.
Written by Sumit Arora, Kabir Khan and Rohit Shukre, Chandu Champion will also star Katrina Kaif and Shraddha Kapoor.?
Kartik Aaryan has worked had to play the role of Murlikant Petkar, and here's proof!
Chandu Champion release date
The movie is reportedly slated to hit the screens on Eid in June 2024.
For more news and updates?from the world of?celebrities?from?Bollywood?and?Hollywood, keep reading?Indiatimes Entertainment.
