‘Chandu Champion’ writer Sumit Arora says Kartik Aryan has a hunger for work

Sumit Arora, the prolific screenwriter known for crafting impactful dialogues in Bollywood, recently shared insights into his journey, discussing his latest venture, ‘Chandu Champion,’ and his collaboration with director Kabir Khan. He delved into the complexities of writing biopics and his passion for exploring diverse genres in cinema.
Sumit Arora, who started his career in Mumbai at a young age, has scripted memorable lines for stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Rajkummar Rao, and Manoj Bajpayee.His recent reunion with Kabir Khan for the biopic on Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, posed unique challenges. Unlike subjects like Kapil Dev, whose public persona was well-known, Petkar’s story required Arora to balance creative freedom with respecting the real-life person and his family’s sentiments.
Reflecting on the process, Sumit emphasized, "Writing a biopic is different from fictional characters where boundaries are already set by the person who lived that life." He navigated this delicate balance in ‘Chandu Champion,’ ensuring authenticity while bringing cinematic appeal to Petkar’s inspiring journey.
Discussing his rapport with Kabir Khan, Arora fondly recalled their initial meeting during the success of ‘Stree,’ which earned him acclaim. Khan’s vision for ‘83’ marked their first collaboration, followed by the compelling narrative of Murlikant Petkar. Arora praised Khan as both a filmmaker and a person, highlighting their mutual passion for storytelling.
In ‘Chandu Champion,’ Arora’s words found life through Kartik Aaryan, known for comedic roles but embraced the challenge of portraying a serious character. He commended Kartik Aaryan’s dedication, noting how the actor's hunger to explore new territories resonated with the film’s narrative ambitions.
Beyond biopics, Arora’s career spans diverse projects with acclaimed directors like Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Raj & DK. His versatility is evident in works like ‘The Family Man’ and ‘Jawan,’ showcasing his ability to adapt to varied genres and narratives. Arora admitted to thriving on creative challenges, constantly seeking new horizons in storytelling.
While celebrating his achievements, Sumit acknowledged the uphill battle for recognition faced by screenwriters in Bollywood. He believes in the industry’s evolution towards acknowledging writers' contributions more prominently, despite the ongoing journey toward full recognition.