'Champion' Meets Champion: Kartik Aaryan Celebrates Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or Win!
Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan celebrates Harry Kane's 2026 Ballon d'Or victory by revisiting their viral 'Chandu Champion' moment.
In a heartwarming crossover between the worlds of Bollywood and global football, actor Kartik Aaryan has extended his congratulations to England captain Harry Kane after the striker clinched the prestigious 2026 Ballon d'Or. The actor took to social media to celebrate the achievement, reminding fans of a viral and lighthearted encounter the two shared previously.
A Throwback to the 'Chandu Champion' Moment
To mark the occasion, Kartik shared a throwback video on Instagram from a meeting in Munich that took place in March 2024. In the clip, the National Award-winning actor is seen interacting with the Bayern Munich star, attempting to teach him a signature line from his movie, Chandu Champion.
The video captures a playful moment where Kartik encourages Kane to say the Hindi dialogue: “Chandu nahi, champion hai main!” (I am not Chandu, I am a champion!). The football legend's earnest attempt to nail the phrasing ended in shared laughter between the two stars.
“Congratulations Champion @harrykane So well deserved @ballondorofficial,” Kartik wrote in his post.
A Historic Win for England
Harry Kane's victory in London is a landmark moment for English football. By winning the 2026 Men's Ballon d'Or, Kane has become the first player from England to secure the award since Michael Owen achieved the feat back in 2001.
The Legacy of 'Chandu Champion'
The dialogue that sparked the interaction comes from Kartik's acclaimed portrayal of Murlikant Petkar, India’s legendary Paralympic gold medallist. To bring Petkar's journey to life on screen, Kartik underwent an intensive training regime and a rigorous physical transformation, which earned him widespread praise from both critics and the audience.
The actor's dedication to the role did not go unnoticed by the industry; Kartik Aaryan was honored with the Best Actor Award for his performance in Chandu Champion at the 72nd National Film Awards held in Kevadia, Gujarat.