Film veteran and politician Mithun Chakraborty was celebrated for his illustrious career in Indian cinema as he received the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Tuesday. The award, which is the highest recognition in Indian filmmaking, was presented to him by President Droupadi Murmu during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was marked by a standing ovation from the President and other dignitaries in attendance, honoring the legendary actor’s contributions to the industry.
In an interview, Mithun expressed profound happiness over the recognition. “I can only say that I dedicate this award to my family and all my fans around the world. Where I come from, from a blind alley in Kolkata, I never imagined that a boy from the footpath could receive such a big honor. 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. This also proves what I always tell my fans and those who aren’t financially strong: if I can make it, then you can do it too,” he stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to Mithun, acknowledging him as a “cultural icon.” In a post on X, he remarked, “Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to him.”
Fondly known as ‘Mithun Da’ by his fans, Mithun made his film debut in 1976 with the movie Mrigayaa, captivating audiences with his versatile acting skills. His first portrayal of a Santhal rebel earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, and he went on to win two additional National Film Awards for his performances in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998).
Beyond acting, Mithun also made a significant impact in the music industry, becoming known for his electrifying dance numbers, including the iconic hits I Am a Disco Dancer, Jimmy Jimmy, and Super Dancer, which remain beloved by fans across generations. Most recently, he was seen in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically acclaimed film The Kashmir Files.
