Mithun Chakraborty will be honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award this year. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the official announcement on Monday (September 30). Mithun will be recognized at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8.
Mithun began his film career in 1976 with Mrigayaa. He was honored with a National Award for his debut picture. However, he gained wider recognition with Disco Dancer in 1982.
Mithun Chakraborty Was Once a Naxalite
On June 16, 1950, Mithun Chakraborty was born in Kolkata. His real name is Gaurang Chakraborty. He graduated in Chemistry before joining the Naxalite movement, becoming a hardcore Naxal and leaving home. Unfortunately, his only brother died in an accident, and due to the difficult conditions at home, Mithun decided to leave the Naxalite movement and return to his family. His life was at risk due to his departure from Naxalism, but he remained fearless. During his time in the movement, Mithun had a deep friendship with notorious Naxalite Ravi Ranjan.
He Once Worked as Helen’s Assistant
After returning home, Mithun developed an interest in Hindi cinema. He studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and then moved to Mumbai in search of work. During his early days, Mithun spent many nights hungry. After months of struggle, he secured a job as an assistant to the famous dancer Helen. Seeing him around as Helen’s assistant, some filmmakers offered him small roles. Mithun got a small part in Amitabh Bachchan’s film Do Anjaane. Around this time, he also worked as a body double in films.
Mrinal Sen Discovered Mithun and Made Him a Hero
One day at college, the famous filmmaker Mrinal Sen noticed Mithun flirting carefreely with some girls. Impressed by his style, Mrinal offered him a role in her film Mrigayaa. This marked Mithun’s debut as a hero in the 1976 art film. Mithun won the National Award for Best Actor for his performance. He remains the only actor to have received the National Award for Best Actor for his very first film. In addition, Mithun has won National Awards for his performances in Tahader Katha (1993) and Swami Vivekananda (1996).
A Golden Era: Disco Dancer and Unprecedented Success
A golden period in Mithun’s career came in 1982 with Disco Dancer. This film became the first Hindi movie to earn ₹100 crores. Much of its collection came from the Soviet Union. Mithun, a non-dancer, learned the moves required for the film, and his dance steps became iconic throughout the country.
Throughout a career spanning nearly four decades, Mithun has worked in more than 350 films in multiple languages, including Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Odia, and Bhojpuri.
Mithun Was Among the Highest-Paid Actors
In January 2024, Mithun Chakraborty was awarded the Padma Shri. He is considered one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema. During the 1980s and 1990s, Mithun was one of the highest-paid actors in India. His last Hindi film release was The Kashmir Files in 2022. He also appeared in the Bengali films Prajapati and Kabuliwala.
Mithun’s Name in the Limca Book of Records
In 1989, Mithun Chakraborty had 19 film releases in which he played the lead role. His name was entered into the Limca Book of Records for this achievement. Nearly 35 years have passed, and no actor has broken this record. Additionally, Disco Dancer remains the first Hindi film to cross ₹100 crores at the box office.
Waheeda Rehman Received the Award Last Year
Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023. She became the eighth woman to receive this honor. Before her, this prestigious award had been given to Devika Rani, Ruby Myers, Kanan Devi, Durga Khote, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Asha Parekh.
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