Actor Kartik Aaryan went from 39 per cent body fat to seven per cent body fat over the course of his one-and-a-half-year fitness journey for the upcoming sports biopic Chandu Champion, he said ahead of the film’s June 14 release.

“From 39 % body fat to 7 % body fat. From being an ‘insomniac’ to turning into a ‘fitness enthusiast’, it’s surely a journey of one and half years to remember for me,” wrote the 33-year-old actor on Instagram on Friday alongside a then-and-now picture.

Kartik went on to pay tribute to India’s first Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar, on whose life the film is based, noting how the role has not only made him a stronger person but also reinforced his belief in his willpower. “The life of the living legend Mr Murlikant Petkar, not only made me a stronger human being but also, further instilled the belief that if you can dream it, then you can achieve it... nothing is impossible,” read Kartik’s caption.

Kartik also noted that while his mother used to urge him to go to the gym, she now has to call him to remind him to come back home. Actor Ronit Bose Roy, actress Nimrat Kaur, film producer Warda Khan Sajid Nadiadwala, couturier Shane Peacock and social media influencer Kili Paul commented on Kartik’s post. “Bhaithe grind is real,” wrote Kili, while Warda noted, “Mehnat Khoon Pasine ka natija (The result of sheer hard work).”

Kartik, who was last seen in Sameer Vidwans’s romantic drama film Satyaprem Ki Katha, is also set to star in Anees Bazmee’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Triptii Dimri and Vidya Balan.