Kartik Aaryan's upcoming movie Chandu Champion is making a lot of buzz. From the actor's epic transformation to Murlikant Petkar, the paralympic gold medalist's real-life story getting a cinematic adaptation by Kabir Khan, who is known for his powerful films, the excitement of fans is on the rise. Yesterday, a special screening of the film was hosted in Delhi for the real-life hero himself. Murlikant Petkar, the Paralympic gold medalist on whom the film is based, was so moved by the movie that he couldn't hold back his tears.
Born on October 13, 1944, in Peth Islampur, Sangli district, Maharashtra, Murlikant Petkar embarked on a remarkable journey. Initially serving as a craftsman in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in 1965, Petkar's career began on a high note. As a talented boxer, he clinched a medal at the International Services Sports Meet in Tokyo, Japan, in 1964. This achievement led to his deployment in Jammu and Kashmir. However, his life took a dramatic turn during the 1965 war with Pakistan when an aerial attack on his camp left him with nine bullet injuries, resulting in lifelong paraplegia.
Despite the life-altering injuries, Petkar's spirit remained unbroken. Recalling the attack, he mentioned, "All I remember now is that we were just resting after having our lunch. Suddenly the Havildar Major came shouting. Some of us, half asleep as we were, thought we were being called for tea. I remember there was some confusion and some jawans just went outside and were killed."
Initially treated in Jammu and Kashmir, he was later moved to a Navy hospital in Mumbai. Petkar endured two years of being bedridden and even experienced temporary memory loss.
During his recovery, physiotherapy played a crucial role. Encouraged by his doctors to engage in sports as part of his rehabilitation, Petkar found a new purpose. He received the Raksha Medal in 1965 and was discharged from the army in 1969. By then, he had already competed in the Maharashtra State Athletic Meet in 1967, excelling in shot put, javelin throw, discus throw, table tennis, and archery.
Petkar's sports journey saw him participate in table tennis at the 1968 Paralympic Games, where he advanced past the first round but was eliminated in the next. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to swimming, eventually representing India on the international stage. His efforts culminated in winning a gold medal at the 1972 Paralympic Games, making him the first Indian to achieve such a feat.
After his Paralympic triumph, Petkar began a 30-year career at TELCO in Pune. Refusing monetary help, he sought employment instead. "They were very happy and I was given a job at Telco in Pune where I worked for 30 years," he recounted.
In 2018, Petkar received the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, from President Ram Nath Kovind. Despite the crutches on his forearms, he stood upright in military style while receiving the honor. This recognition was especially significant as his claim for the Arjuna Award was rejected in 1982 due to his disability. Reflecting on this, Petkar said, "I have put all that behind me. I am glad that the government finally recognised my achievements. I did feel disheartened when I was denied an Arjuna Award on the ground that I was a disabled person," Petkar told IANS soon after he was conferred the Padma Shri.
Written by Sumit Arora, Kabir Khan and Rohit Shukre, Chandu Champion will also star Rajpal Yadav and Vijay Raaz among others.
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