Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty was recently bestowed with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the esteemed 70th National Film Awards ceremony, which was an event of grandeur and celebration. Held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, the ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 8. The award, handed over by none other than President Droupadi Murmu, signifies the highest honour in Indian cinema, acknowledging lifetime achievements and significant contributions to the industry. As Mithun Chakraborty ascended the stage, he was warmly received with a standing ovation from not only dignitaries but also his fellow artists and industry peers who were present to bear witness to this monumental occasion.
During the acceptance speech, Mithun, with his characteristic charm and humility, shared insightful anecdotes that encapsulated his illustrious journey in the film industry. He began by acknowledging the gathering with profound respect, mentioning, “My God, my Respected President, my Respect Minister, and all the best people on the dais, I have been on this stage three times. After receiving my first National Award, I was overwhelmed by the praise, and it distracted my focus,” echoing the humility and unique experiences that have shaped his career path.
Injecting his speech with humor, Mithun took a moment to recount a playful exchange with a producer following the screening of his debut film ‘Mrigayaa’. “After finishing the film, I asked a senior colleague how he felt about it. He complimented my acting but cheekily remarked on my attire, saying he could only imagine how I’d look with clothes on. It struck me later that I was bare in the film,” he recounted, prompting laughter and adding a jovial atmosphere to the ceremony.
However, beyond the humour, Mithun spoke transparently about the highs and lows that defined his journey in Bollywood. Recalling the period after his first National Award win, he admitted, “I thought I had become Al Pacino. I began to treat producers dismissively. But reality hit when a producer kicked me out of his office. That day, I realized I was not Al Pacino, and it marked the end of my delusions.” This candid admission underscored the life lessons he gleamed through his experiences, lessons that reinforced the values of humility and self-awareness in his life.
.
A significant part of his address was devoted to the bias he faced due to his skin colour. “Many told me that dark-skinned actors wouldn’t survive in Bollywood. I prayed to God, Could you change my colour? But eventually accepted that I couldn’t alter my complexion. Instead, I focused on my dancing skills, determined to become so remarkable that audiences would overlook my skin colour,” Mithun reflected, drawing applause from those present including Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw. Through sheer determination and unparalleled talent, he emerged as the ‘sexy, dusky Bengali babu,’ winning people’s hearts and carving a distinct identity in the industry.
Contemplating on his cinematic journey, Mithun remarked wistfully, “I received nothing on a platter; everything I earned was through hard work. I often questioned God for my struggles, but after receiving this award, I feel at peace and will never complain again.” These words, steeped in sincerity, offered an inspiring message not only to the audiences present but also to aspiring actors across the world. Concluding his speech, Mithun imparted a motivational call to action, urging upcoming talents: “Never stop dreaming. Remember, when you go to sleep, don’t let your dreams sleep. If I can do it, so can you.”
Known affectionately as ‘Mithun Da’ by countless fans, Mithun Chakraborty’s iconic journey commenced in 1976 with his film debut ‘Mrigayaa’. His spellbinding portrayal of a Santhal rebel not only captivated audiences but also earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor right in his debut year. Further accentuating his cinematic prowess, he later clinched two more National Film Awards for his roles in ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992) and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
Besides his resounding success in acting, Mithun has left an indelible mark on the music industry with timeless dance numbers, including ‘I Am a Disco Dancer’, ‘Jimmy Jimmy’, and ‘Super Dancer’. These tracks continue to be cherished classics, resonating with fans across generations. In his most recent cinematic endeavour, Mithun captivated audiences with a role in Vivek Agnihotri’s ‘The Kashmir Files’, underscoring his enduring charisma and acting brilliance.
