Kartik Aaryan places National Award at Lalbaugcha Raja's feet after Best Actor win
Synopsis
Fresh from receiving the National Award for Best Actor for 'Chandu Champion', Kartik Aaryan made straight for Lalbaugcha Raja — placing the trophy itself at the deity's feet. It's a rare, striking image: a Bollywood actor using one of Mumbai's most iconic religious moments to mark what he calls the dream of every actor in the country.
Key Takeaways
Kartik Aaryan visited Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on 23 September 2026 and placed his National Film Award at the deity's feet.
He won the National Award for Best Actor for his role as Murlikant Petkar in the 2024 biographical sports drama 'Chandu Champion' .
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at the official ceremony. 'Chandu Champion' was directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala .
Kartik described the moment as 'a very happy moment for my entire family' and reflected on his journey from Gwalior to the country's top film honour.
Actor Kartik Aaryan visited Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on 23 September 2026 and placed his National Film Award at the deity's feet, seeking Lord Ganesha's blessings just hours after receiving Bollywood's most prestigious acting honour. The moment, captured on video, quickly drew widespread attention ahead of the Ganesh festival season.
The Moment at Lalbaugcha Raja
Dressed in a casual blue kurta paired with white bottoms, Kartik was seen carefully placing his National Award for Best Actor before Lalbaugcha Raja, folding his hands in prayer and bowing his head at the deity's feet. The gesture, blending personal achievement with public devotion, was widely shared across social media platforms.
Speaking about the visit, Kartik described it as a deeply emotional occasion. 'It's a very happy moment for my entire family. I am very happy. I have come to seek blessings of Bappa. I got the National Film Award, and after that visiting Lalbaugcha Raja, it feels great,' he said.
The National Award Win for 'Chandu Champion'
On Tuesday, Kartik won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Murlikant Petkar — India's first Paralympic Gold Champion — in the 2024 biographical sports drama 'Chandu Champion'. He received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu at the official ceremony. The film was directed by Kabir Khan and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.
Kartik's Heartfelt Reflection on the Journey
Following the award ceremony, Kartik posted a video on Instagram capturing the moment he received the honour, alongside a heartfelt note reflecting on his path from a small town to the country's highest film recognition. An excerpt from the post read: 'Looking back affectionately with a smile at that mumma's boy from Gwalior who dared to dream of becoming an actor from an environment, where people laugh at such dreams, and move forwards. Finally, I witnessed and lived the moment, still numb with excitement and nervousness. A dream of a small town boy, the dream of every actor in the country, the National Award for Best Actor. 'Chandu Nahi, Champiyon hai Main'. I will always be grateful and indebted to Kabir sir and Sajid sir for trusting me with the responsibility of playing India's first Paralympic Gold Champion — Murlikant Petkar sir on the big screen.'
Significance of the Visit
Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai's most revered Ganesh mandals, has long been a site where public figures mark milestones with prayers. Kartik's visit adds a deeply personal dimension to his achievement, rooting a mainstream Bollywood milestone in faith and humility. Notably, his win for 'Chandu Champion' marks a significant shift from the light-hearted franchise roles — such as 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2' and 'Luka Chuppi' — for which he was commercially known, underlining his evolution as a performer capable of anchoring serious biopics.
The actor is expected to continue celebrating the award with his family, as the recognition marks a defining chapter in his career trajectory.
Point of View
And the award gives it renewed reach. Whether Kartik can sustain this register beyond the franchise machinery that made him bankable is the more interesting question going forward.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kartik Aaryan visit Lalbaugcha Raja?
Kartik Aaryan visited Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings after winning the National Film Award for Best Actor. During the visit, he placed the award at the deity's feet as an act of gratitude and devotion.
Which film did Kartik Aaryan win the National Award for?
Kartik won the National Award for Best Actor for 'Chandu Champion', a 2024 biographical sports drama in which he portrayed Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic Gold Champion. The film was directed by Kabir Khan.
Who presented the National Film Award to Kartik Aaryan?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Film Award for Best Actor to Kartik Aaryan at the official awards ceremony. Kartik posted a video of the moment on Instagram.
Who is Murlikant Petkar, the character Kartik played in 'Chandu Champion'?
Murlikant Petkar is India's first Paralympic Gold Champion, a real-life athlete whose story forms the basis of 'Chandu Champion'. The film was produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by Kabir Khan.
What did Kartik Aaryan say about winning the National Award?
Kartik described it as the 'dream of every actor in the country' and reflected on his journey from Gwalior, expressing gratitude to director Kabir Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role. He said, 'I will always be grateful and indebted to Kabir sir and Sajid sir for trusting me with the responsibility of playing India's first Paralympic Gold Champion.'
