The 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025, held in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, turned into a night of dreams and triumphs. Hosted in the vibrant city of Ahmedabad on October 11, the ceremony celebrated cinematic excellence with grandeur. Among the most memorable moments was Kartik Aaryan’s emotional win for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in Chandu Champion.
Kartik’s Journey from Viewer to Victor
Kartik Aaryan, who once admired the iconic Black Lady from afar, finally held her in his hands. This marked his first-ever Filmfare Best Actor win, a milestone he described as surreal. In a heartfelt social media post, Kartik reflected on his journey. He wrote, “Champion girta hai… par rukta nahi,” capturing the spirit of perseverance that defines both his character and his personal path.
From watching the awards on television to being honored on stage, His transformation has been nothing short of inspiring. He dedicated the award to every dreamer who refuses to give up, emphasizing that hard work and belief can turn distant dreams into reality.
Gratitude to the Visionaries Behind Chandu Champion
Kartik didn’t miss the chance to thank the people who shaped his performance. First and foremost, he expressed deep appreciation for director Kabir Khan. Kartik praised Kabir’s storytelling, calling it powerful, emotional, and truthful. He credited Kabir not just for directing him, but for transforming him as an actor.
Furthermore, Kartik acknowledged producers Sajid Nadiadwala and Warda Khan Nadiadwala. He called them the “pillars” of Chandu Champion, applauding their unwavering support and belief in the film. Their faith, he said, gave the project its strength and soul.
A Tribute to the Real-Life Hero
Chandu Champion is based on the life of Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar. Kartik paid tribute to Petkar, calling him his “real hero.” He emphasized that the award belongs as much to Petkar as it does to the film. Petkar’s incredible journey of resilience and courage served as the backbone of the story, inspiring audiences and the entire film team alike.
Kartik also extended his gratitude to the technical team that brought Chandu Champion to life. He praised cinematographer Sudeep Chatterjee for painting each frame with emotion and beauty. Additionally, he thanked music composer Pritam for infusing the film with soul through his compositions. Kartik acknowledged every cast and crew member, noting that the Black Lady represents their collective dream and dedication.
A Tie for Best Actor: Abhishek Bachchan Shares the Honour
Interestingly, this year’s Best Actor award saw a rare tie. Abhishek Bachchan also clinched the title for his powerful performance in I Want To Talk. The dual win highlighted the diversity and depth of talent in Indian cinema, making the 2025 Filmfare Awards even more memorable.
The 70th Filmfare Awards celebrated not just cinematic brilliance but also stories of grit, transformation, and teamwork. Kartik Aaryan’s win for Chandu Champion stands as a testament to his growth as an actor and his commitment to meaningful storytelling. As he held the Black Lady close, he reminded everyone that champions may fall, but they never stop.
