Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty expressed his overwhelming joy and disbelief after the Indian government announced he would be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The 74-year-old actor, known for his remarkable contribution to Indian cinema, said he never imagined receiving such an accolade, considering his humble beginnings. “I have no language to express how I feel. Na main hass sakta hun, na khushi mein ro sakta hun (I cannot smile, nor can I cry in happiness),” Mithun Chakraborty told ANI. Describing himself as a “boy from the footpaths of Kolkata,” the actor said that this recognition was beyond his wildest dreams.
Mithun Chakraborty, who will be honoured at the 70th National Film Awards on October 8, 2024, dedicated the award to his family and fans, who have supported him throughout his illustrious career. His journey in the film industry, spanning over four decades, is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. He first gained prominence with his debut film Mrigayaa, directed by Mrinal Sen, for which he won a National Award. From there, his career soared, with Mithun Chakraborty delivering several memorable performances between the 1980s and 1990s.
One of the most iconic phases of his career was during the 1980s when Mithun Chakraborty became known as the “Disco Dancer,” thanks to his unique dance style that left a lasting impact on Bollywood and pop culture. His role in the film Disco Dancer catapulted him to stardom and cemented his place as one of the most beloved actors in Indian cinema.
On September 30, 2024, Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the honour for Mithun Chakraborty . He wrote, “Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honoured to announce that the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to award legendary actor, Sh. Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema.”
Throughout his career, Mithun Chakraborty has won numerous accolades, but the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, considered the highest honour in Indian cinema, stands as a crowning achievement for the veteran actor. His contribution to Indian cinema, both in terms of performance and popular culture, continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers. As he prepares to receive the award, Mithun Chakraborty remains humble, reflecting on a journey that has spanned decades and touched millions of lives across the globe.
