The actor, fresh off his historic win for Chandu Champion, visited Mumbai’s famed Ganpati pandal on Wednesday morning to seek blessings.
Kartik Aaryan carried his freshly‑minted National Film Award to the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal on Wednesday morning and set it down at Lord Ganesha’s feet. The short video that went viral shows the actor in a simple blue kurta, bowing his head and folding his hands before the idol, a ritual that felt like a thank‑you note to the city that raised him.
He had just become the first actor to win the top honour for portraying India’s inaugural Paralympic gold‑medallist, Murlikant Petkar, in the 2024 biopic Chandu Champion. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw President Droupadi Murmu hand him the award, a moment he later described as a dream come true for a small‑town boy from Gwalior.
“It's a very happy moment for my entire family,” Kartik said on the spot, his voice tinged with excitement. “I have come to seek blessings of Bappa. I got the National Film Award, and after that visiting Lalbaugcha Raja, it feels great.”
His Instagram post from the award night featured a heartfelt caption recalling his journey from a Gwalior kid who dared to dream to a national‑recognised star. “Looking back affectionately with a smile at that mumma’s boy from Gwalior… finally I witnessed and lived the moment, still numb with excitement and nervousness,” he wrote, adding a nod to director Kabir Khan and co‑producer Sajid Nadiadwala for trusting him with the role.
The visit sparked a wave of goodwill on social media. Fans applauded the humility of a star who, despite a soaring career, chose a modest look and a traditional prayer. The image of the gleaming award resting at the deity’s feet quickly turned into a meme, with many dubbing it a perfect blend of Bollywood glamour and Mumbai’s devotional spirit.
Industry insiders note that such public displays of gratitude can boost an actor’s connection with the audience, especially after a career‑defining win. While the award itself doesn’t guarantee box‑office success for Chandu Champion, the buzz around Kartik’s performance has already pushed the film’s pre‑release chatter into the upper‑echelons of the upcoming season.
For now, Kartik’s next move remains under wraps. He hinted that the award will stay close to his heart as he prepares for his next project, but details are still scarce. Meanwhile, the image of his National Film Award at Lalbaugcha Raja’s feet will likely linger in the public’s mind for weeks, a reminder that even the biggest stars still seek blessings before stepping onto the next big stage.
The story is still unfolding. Fans will be watching closely for any announcements about Kartik’s upcoming films, and whether his newfound prestige translates into new collaborations or bigger budgets. Until then, the simple act of placing an award at a deity’s feet will is a snapshot of a moment when personal triumph meets cultural reverence.
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