Filmmaker Kabir Khan is overjoyed that Kartik Aaryan’s hard work in Chandu Champion has received recognition, describing the actor’s National Award win as a moment of genuine happiness. The director, who helmed the biographical sports drama, spoke about Kartik’s extraordinary dedication, his year-and-a-half-long training process and the physical transformation he underwent for the film. During a media interaction, Kabir also addressed speculation surrounding his upcoming projects, revealing that an official announcement about one of his ongoing ventures could arrive within the next month.
Reflecting on Kartik’s achievement, Kabir said, “As for the award—well, that project involving Kartik is from a while back. But there is something to be truly happy about: Kartik Aaryan received a National Award for my film, Chandu Champion, which was my last release. I’m not just happy because it’s my film; I’m happy because I witnessed the immense hard work Kartik put in as an actor.” The filmmaker’s words highlighted the personal satisfaction of seeing an actor’s commitment recognised, particularly after witnessing the effort that went into bringing the character to life.
Kabir went on to explain the extent of Kartik’s preparation for the film, noting that the actor invested a significant amount of time in specialised training and physical transformation. “He spent a year and a half in training—undergoing specialised preparation and a complete physical transformation. When an actor invests that level of effort and is then recognised with an honour as significant as a National Award, it’s a wonderful thing,” he said. For Kabir, the recognition goes beyond the success of an individual film. It also demonstrates how dedication, discipline and sustained preparation can contribute to an actor’s performance and professional growth.
The director believes Kartik’s achievement can inspire other performers to approach their work with similar commitment. “It also shows other actors that if you put in that kind of hard work, you will eventually be rewarded. So, I am very happy about that,” Kabir added. Chandu Champion told the inspiring story of Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medallist, with Kartik undergoing a remarkable transformation to portray the athlete. The film demanded both physical preparation and an emotionally grounded performance, making the actor’s commitment an important part of its story. Kabir’s comments reflect his pride in seeing that effort acknowledged.
The conversation also turned to the filmmaker’s upcoming projects, with reports suggesting that he has multiple ventures in development. When asked about two projects reportedly associated with him, Kabir kept the details under wraps, saying, “I have an ongoing project—one that we haven’t officially announced yet, but we will in a month or so.” His response has added to the curiosity surrounding his next directorial venture, although he did not confirm the titles or details of the projects being discussed. One reported film is Silkyara 41, a survival drama inspired by the 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel rescue, which is being developed as an Indo-Australian collaboration involving Aamir Khan Productions, Kabir Khan Films and Mind Blowing Films.
Another project reportedly linked to Kabir is a sports-adventure film featuring Kartik Aaryan, potentially bringing the actor and director together again after Chandu Champion. Reports have also associated Vicky Kaushal with the project, although further details await official confirmation. With Kabir remaining tight-lipped about his plans, his upcoming announcement is likely to provide greater clarity about what he is working on next. For now, the filmmaker is celebrating Kartik’s achievement and the dedication behind Chandu Champion, while keeping audiences curious about the next chapter of his own cinematic journey.