Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has arrived in Kevadia, Gujarat, ahead of the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for 22 September 2026, where he is set to receive the National Award for Best Actor. The actor, honoured for his portrayal of Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in the sports biopic 'Chandu Champion', marked the occasion with a visit to the iconic Statue of Unity and a taste of local cuisine.

Aaryan at the Statue of Unity

On Monday, Aaryan shared a series of pictures and videos from Kevadia on his Instagram handle. One photograph showed him standing beside the Statue of Unity — the world's tallest statue — with the caption: 'A legacy larger than life #StatueOfUnity.' A separate post revealed his meal spread featuring thepla and other Gujarati delicacies, accompanied by his comment: 'Thepla was good.'

The Award and What It Recognises

Aaryan shares the Best Actor honour with Malayalam cinema legend Mammootty, who is being recognised for his performance in the psychological thriller 'Bramayugam'. In 'Chandu Champion', Aaryan essayed the life of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist — a physically and emotionally demanding role that drew widespread critical acclaim.

About the 72nd National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards, presented by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), were announced on 18 July 2026 at a press conference to honour the best of Indian cinema from 2024. The jury reviewed 400 feature film entries, 161 non-feature films, 38 books, and 24 critics' submissions. The political action-thriller 'Article 370' was awarded Best Feature Film, while the dystopian sci-fi epic 'Kalki 2898 AD' took Best Popular Feature Film.

Ceremony Details and Key Honours

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the ceremony at Kevadia, Gujarat on 22 September 2026, presenting the awards. Veteran actor Anant Nag is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Notably, this edition marks a significant departure from tradition — the ceremony is being held outside New Delhi for the first time in recent memory, underlining the cultural significance of Gujarat as a host location.

Fan Reaction

Aaryan's social media posts drew an enthusiastic response from fans, with followers congratulating him ahead of the formal honour. One follower wrote: 'Sooooooooooo Excited About U Receiving Ur National Award.' The reception reflects the wide anticipation surrounding his win, which is seen as a landmark moment in his career following years of commercial blockbusters.

With the ceremony less than 24 hours away, all eyes are on Kevadia as India's film fraternity gathers to celebrate the finest performances of 2024.