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Kartik Aryan's upcoming film Chandu Champion will be released in theaters on June 14, 2024. The story of the film is inspired by the life of India's first Paralympic swimmer Murlikant Petkar.
Murlikant Petkar has been a part of the Indian Army. He was hit by 9 bullets in the India-Pakistan war in 1965. His condition became so bad during this war that he was paralyzed from the waist down. He was not even in a position to walk. However, even after all this, he did not stop. He won the title of India's first Paralympic swimmer in 1972.
Before the release of the film, read who was Murlikant Petkar…
This picture is of India's first Paralympic swimmer Murlikant Petkar.
Was expert in sports from the beginning
Murlikant Petkar was born on 1 November 1944 in a small village in Sangli district of Maharashtra. Since childhood, he was more interested in sports. He was fond of wrestling. He was often seen in the wrestling arena. At the age of 12, he defeated the son of the village head in wrestling. He felt that after this victory the entire village would celebrate. However, this did not happen rather his family was threatened by the chief's people.
Muralikant got Rs 12 for this victory. Due to continuous threats, he took Rs 12 and ran away from home. Muralikant forgot this after a few days, but even he did not know whether the village or the whole world would celebrate his success in the future.
When he grew up, he became a part of the Indian Army.
When Muralikant grew up, he joined the Indian Army. Even here his interest in sports did not diminish. Here he started boxing. He won an award in the International Services Sports Meet held in Tokyo in 1964.
Muralikant was hit by 9 bullets in the 1965 war.
In 1965, Muralikant was posted in Sialkot. War started between India and Pakistan in the month of September. Muralikant also took part in this war. During the war, he was hit by 9 bullets while fighting with the Pakistanis. One bullet had entered his spine. Not only this, a truck had passed over his legs, due to which he was paralyzed from the waist down.
It has also been claimed in many reports that he had lost his memory for some time due to this accident.
India's first Paralympic swimmer in 1972
Despite being in such a bad condition, Muralikant did not want to remain bedridden. He also did not want to be a burden on the family. Here he once again took the help of sports. After a few months of treatment, he started learning swimming with the help of a coach.
Then he started preparing for Paralympics in the category of parafree swimming. After some time, his hard work bore fruit. In 1972, he completed 50 meter freestyle swimming in just 37.33 seconds. With this he became India's first Paralympic swimmer and was also awarded the gold medal.
Murlikant Petkar shaking hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event.
Had refused to take help from Tata Group
The story also goes that Tata Group had decided to help the soldiers injured in the 1965 war. However Muralikant refused to take help. He believed that no one should show pity on his condition. Even though he is disabled, he can take care of himself. He told the company that he does not need help, if he wants help then give him work.
Hearing his answer, the company people were impressed and offered him a job in Telco. Muralikant had worked here for 30 years.
Wanted Arjun Award but the government refused
Despite being disabled, Muralikant brought glory to India including the country and the world. But he did not get the respect he deserved on time. He had written a letter to the then government in 1982. In that letter he had requested that he deserves the Arjuna Award. However, the government rejected his request.
He was very saddened by this. He believed that he was deprived of this honor because of his disability. After this attitude of the government, he made a bundle of evidence of all his achievements (which included medals and certificates) and kept it hidden in a corner forever.
Murali Kant receiving Padma Shri from former President Ramnath Kovind.
In 2018, news was received that he was being honored with Padma Shri.
Many years have passed since this happened. Muralikant had even forgotten this. Then in 2018 he got a call. He was told that this year he was to be honored with the Padmashree Award. He was overjoyed to hear this. Presently 79 year old Muralikant lives in Pune with his family.
Kabir Khan is directing the film Chandu Champion.
The trailer of the film Chandu Champion was released last Saturday. At the trailer launch event, the film's hero Kartik Aryan talked about the film. He said, 'When director Kabir Khan sir gave me the narration of this story, I was surprised. I asked Sir whether this is a true story or fictional. The question was asked because there are many turns and twists in this story. There are also many historical moments in this story. Such things cannot normally happen in anyone's life.
I had agreed to the film because of Kabir sir and Sajid sir. But for 1-2 months there was doubt in my mind whether I would be able to do this film or not. For so many months, I was going to the gym every day, was not eating food nor was signing any other film. However, now after reaching here all the fear has gone.
