Shabana Azmi on Monday praised Kartik Aaryan for his performance in sports drama Chandu Champion, eliciting an ecstatic reaction from the actor.

Praising the Kabir Khan-directed biopic for its moving storyline, Shabana said Kartik’s performance reflected his childlike determination. “I was deeply moved by Kabir Khan's film Chandu Champion, and I loved Kartik Aaryan's portrayal. He played it with an almost childlike determination and an extremely winsome smile, which prevented him from projecting arrogance,” she wrote on Instagram.

The Bollywood veteran also lauded Vijay Raaz’s portrayal of Kartik’s coach in the film. “Vijay Raaz as the coach is very effective. It’s a real-life story, and I say Salaam Kabir for making it so that he got to watch it with his family,” added the 73-year-old actress.

Shabana also shared a picture of her planting an affectionate kiss on Kartik’s cheek during a special screening of the film.

Resharing Shabana’s post, Kartik expressed his gratitude for her appreciation of his work. "Mujhe Meri Eidi Mil Gayi (I got my Eidi). Every word you said feels like a medal for me," wrote the 33-year-old actor.

Released on June 14, Chandu Champion revolves around the life and struggles of India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, who was originally a boxer. Petkar served in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in the Indian Army. However, he was disabled during the 1965 war against Pakistan, sustaining severe bullet wounds, which led him to transition to swimming and other sports. He participated in table tennis at the 1968 Summer Paralympics and secured four medals in swimming.

According to industry data-tracking site Sacnilk, the film has already earned Rs 26.25 crore nett at the domestic box office since its release.

Kartik will be next seen in Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan. Produced under the banner of T-Series Films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is slated to hit the theatres on November 1 on the occasion of Diwali.