Kartik Aaryan's upcoming film 'Chandu Champion' is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. Jointly produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Kabir Khan, the film tells the tale of an iconic Indian athlete whose story is not just inspiring but makes you believe in the power of determination and sheer hard work. 

The fans' excitement over the film is clear; however, they are also intrigued to know more about Murlikant Petkar and his empowering story. The question that arises now is: who is Murlikant Petkar? And what is the moving life story that drove Kabir Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala to make a film? Read ahead!

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan's SHOCKING transformation as boxer in second poster of Chandu Champion, fans can't get

Who is Murlikant Petkar?

Murlikant Petkar is the first Paralympic gold medalist from India. The biopic depicts the life and struggles of the athlete and his unwavering dedication to combat all the setbacks and rise above them. Murlikant was born on November 1, 1944, in the Peth Islampur area of Sangli, Maharashtra. He joined the Indian army in his youth in the craftsman rank as 'Jawan' in Electronics and Mechanical Engineer (EME). During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, Murlikant suffered several bullet injuries and was disabled. 

He was a boxer at EME, Secunderabad, and he could not return to it after his injuries. However, he did not let his disability define him, and he switched sports and picked up swimming, table tennis, and other sports. 

In 1968, Murlikant participated in table tennis at the Summer Paralympics and cleared the first round. Not only this, Murlikant has won four swimming medals. He participated in the 1972 Summer Paralympics in Heidelberg, Germany, and won an individual gold medal, making him the first Indian to do so. He also set the record for 50-meter freestyle swimming at 37.33 seconds. He also participated in the javelin, precision javelin throw, and slalom, where he became a finalist in all three of the events. Later in his 50s, Murlikant was employed by TELCO in Pune and was awarded Padma Shri in 2018.