The Ministry of Infomation and Broadcasting named Mithun Chakraborty as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for “his iconic contribution to Indian cinema”.
Chakraborty, who is already a Padma Bhushan awardee, braved his humble beginnings and became a Bollywood star and a politician. He said that he looks to inspire others, sending out the message that being financially weak should not become a hurdle in people’s lives.
File photo of Mithun Chakraborty | Image: IMDbFrom making his debut playing a Santhal rebel in a Mrinal Sen film to being emblazoned in public memory as the Disco Dancer, from Communist to BJP bhakt, and hospitality industry baron based out of Ooty, Mithun Chakraborty has lived a crowded and colourful life.
Mithun’s cinematic journey: Versatility and enduring appeal
Born on June 16, 1950, in Kolkata, Mithun marked his acting debut with the critically acclaimed Mrinal Sen film Mrigayaa in 1976. His big screen journey is a fascinating odyssey, and he is celebrated for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between various genres, including drama, action and dance. Mithun’s filmography, in fact, is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal. Here’s a selection of his most memorable films.
Mrigayaa: The actor’s foray into cinema began with the 1976 historical film set in the British Raj, Mrigayaa, directed by Mrinal Sen. The young and muscular Mithun’s portrayal of a Santhal rebel earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
Mithun Chakraborty during the shoot of his debut film Mrigayaa | Image: Fim History /XMera Rakshak: In this 1978 action-packed film, Mithun displayed his versatility by playing a vigilante, showcasing his prowess in the realm of action cinema. Directed by Tamil director R. Thyagarajan of Hathi Mere Sathi fame, the movie also stars Rameshwari, Rakesh Pandey and Gayatri in pivotal roles, along with a goat who acts as the Rakshak in the film.
Disco Dancer: The 1982 dance film directed by Babbar Subhash, stars Mithun and Kim Yashpal in the leading roles. This iconic film, known for its music by Bappi Lahiri in his prime and party favourites such as Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja, I Am A Disco Dancer, Yaad Aa Raha Hai and Koi Yahan Nache Nache, turned Mithun into the Disco Dancer sensation, capturing the hearts of audiences not only in India, but also internationally, especially in the then Soviet Union.
Mithun in a still from Disco Dancer | Image: IMDbShaukeen: The 1982 comedy film showcased Mithun’s ability to balance humour with nuanced performances, earning him accolades for his portrayal of a young man (Ravi Anand) caught in a web of relationships. It also featured veterans Ashok Kumar, Utpal Dutt, AK Hangal and Rati Agnihotri.
Dance Dance: Riding on the success of the disco era inspired by the John Tavolta classic, Saturday Night Fever, this 1987 film further solidified Mithun’s status as the Disco Dancer and featured some of his most memorable dance sequences. The musical film also starred Smita Patil and Mandakini. The music for the movie was inspired by the Italo disco style of the 1980s.
Agneepath: Mithun Chakraborty’s intense portrayal of Krishnan Iyer MA in this 1990 action crime drama, directed by Mukul Anand. left a lasting impact, contributing to the film’s overall success. It starred Amitabh Bachchan in the lead.
File photo of Mithun Chakraborty | Image: Mithun Da Fans/XTahader Katha: In this 1992 Bengali drama directed by the internationally acclaimed Budhhadeb Dasgupta, Mithun showcased his versatility, delivering a compelling performance that added depth to the narrative. He also bagged a National Film Award for Best Actor.
