In a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, widely regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in Indian cinema. The award was conferred upon the legendary actor by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony. The auditorium witnessed an emotional standing ovation from dignitaries and attendees as Chakraborty ascended the stage to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award.
Revered by millions as ‘Mithun Da,’ the actor took this moment to reflect upon his illustrious cinematic journey, harking back to the time when he first clinched the National Film Award in 1976. This accolade came courtesy of his stellar debut performance in the film ‘Mrigayaa,’ directed by Mrinal Sen, in which Mithun portrayed a Santhal rebel. In a captivating speech, Mithun reminisced, “This is the third time I have stood on this esteemed stage, all because of your unwavering blessings. I remember when I first received the National Film Award, I was overwhelmed — my mind was in turmoil, as if I had attained something monumental.”
The national recognition seemed to have propelled the actor into an illusion of grandeur. “I thought of myself as Al Pacino. My demeanor shifted, and I would walk into producers’ offices with an attitude, attempting to carry myself like Pacino,” Mithun shared with a hint of lighthearted self-awareness, evoking laughter from the audience. This newfound conceit turned out to be an audacious misstep. “I was shown the door by producers, and it dawned on me that my behavior had to change if I wanted to sustain my career,” he admitted candidly.
Mithun’s journey from a young budding actor to a cinematic icon is replete with both remarkable highs and challenging lows.
. After grabbing attention with ‘Mrigayaa,’ he soared to fame in the subsequent years with a series of box-office successes such as ‘Hum Se Hai Zamaana’ (1983), ‘Kasam Paida Karnewale Ki’ (1984), and ‘Dance Dance’ (1987). His ability to completely immerse himself in diverse roles not only solidified his reputation as a versatile actor but also earned him a devoted fanbase across generations.
His filmography continued to be distinguished by critically acclaimed performances, warranting two more National Film Awards for ‘Tahader Katha’ in 1992 and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ in 1998. Apart from acting, Mithun Chakraborty made significant contributions to the music industry, captivating audiences with iconic dance numbers like ‘I Am a Disco Dancer,’ ‘Jimmy Jimmy,’ and ‘Super Dancer.’ These tracks transcended generational boundaries, retaining their charm and nostalgia for decades.
Mithun, who recently appeared in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically lauded ‘The Kashmir Files,’ also took a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the guidance of his early mentor, director Mrinal Sen. Reflecting on how he secured the breakthrough role, Mithun recounted an anecdote from his days at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). “Mrinal Sen spotted me at a farewell gathering, catching sight of my physique and immediately envisioned me as Ghinua for his film. I must admit, I sported six-pack abs back then,” he said with a nostalgic smile.
Today, Mithun Chakraborty’s journey is a testament to the dynamism and resilience required in the world of Indian cinema. From the streets of Kolkata to the glittering lights of Bollywood, his story encapsulates the arduous yet rewarding path of an artist dedicated to his craft. As he accepted the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the veteran actor not only celebrated his achievements but also reflected on the lessons learned throughout his career—a path marked by passion, perseverance, and a relentless drive to evolve.
