Veteran Bollywood legend Mithun Chakraborty, at the age of 74, is set to be honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The announcement was made by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on X, celebrating Mithun’s remarkable cinematic journey. The actor will be felicitated at the 70th National Film Awards on October 8, 2024. Reflecting on this milestone, Mithun emotionally shared, "I have no words. Coming from the bylanes of Kolkata, this honor is beyond my wildest dreams."
Mithun, often dubbed India’s original ‘Disco Dancer,’ captivated audiences worldwide with his unique dance style and dynamic performances in hits like Disco Dancer and Pyar Jhukta Nahin. While celebrated for his mass appeal, the actor's versatility also earned him three National Film Awards for Mrigayaa (1976), Tahader Katha (1992), and Swami Vivekananda (1996), proving his mettle as one of India’s finest actors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, calling Mithun "a cultural icon admired across generations." The actor’s son, Namashi Chakraborty, expressed his joy, stating, "Feeling proud and honored. My father’s journey from humble beginnings to superstardom inspires millions."
With a career spanning over 350 films across various languages, Mithun has effortlessly transitioned between genres and mediums. His lasting impact stretches from Bollywood to Bengali cinema and even television, where he won hearts as a judge on Dance India Dance. Beyond films, Mithun’s political career has also added a new dimension to his already illustrious life.