Actor Mithun Chakraborty, renowned for his iconic roles in films such as Mrigayaa, Surakshaa, Disco Dancer, and Dance Dance, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest recognition bestowed by the Indian government in the field of cinema. This announcement was made on Monday by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Vaishnaw praised Mithun’s illustrious cinematic journey, stating, “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.” The award presentation is scheduled for October 8 during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony.
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Upon hearing the news, Mithun expressed his gratitude in a conversation with ANI, reflecting on his humble beginnings. “I never imagined that a boy from the footpath could receive such a big honour,” he said. He dedicated the award to his family and fans worldwide, emphasizing his journey from a “blind alley in Kolkata” to receiving such esteemed recognition.
“I’m literally dumbfounded, trust me. I can’t smile, I can’t cry with happiness because a man from literally nowhere, a nobody, made it,” he added. Mithun also conveyed an uplifting message to those facing financial challenges, stating, “If I can make it, then you can do it too.”
Mithun, now 74, made his acting debut in 1976 with Mrinal Sen’s Mrigayaa, earning a National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance. However, it was his role in the 1982 blockbuster Disco Dancer that catapulted him to stardom, resonating not just in India but also in the Soviet Union. His performance in Agneepath garnered him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1990.
Beyond his film career, Mithun briefly ventured into politics, serving as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2014. He has also made a mark on television as a judge on dance shows like Dance Dance Junior and Hunarbaaz: Desh Ki Shaan. Recently, he starred in Vivek Agnihotri’s The Kashmir Files and is set to appear alongside Debasree Roy in the Bengali film Shastri. Additionally, Mithun will collaborate with Jaya Prada and Prabhas in an upcoming Telugu historical fiction film directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, which began filming in August.
With the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Mithun Chakraborty’s contributions to Indian cinema continue to be celebrated, inspiring both fans and aspiring artists alike.