Mithun Chakraborty to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Actor Mithun Chakraborty, who made his acting debut with the art house drama Mrigayaa in 1976, will soon be honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. He will receive this prestigious award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024.

The 74-year-old veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty has been announced as the recipient of this honor by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He wrote on X, “Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honored 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.”

Reacting to this significant achievement, Mithun told ANI, “I have no language to express how I feel. I cannot smile, nor can I cry in happiness. I come from the bylanes of Kolkata, a boy from such a place winning such an honor… I could not have imagined this. I am extremely happy. I dedicate this to my family and my fans across the world.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated the actor, saying, “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.”

Mithun’s son, actor Namashi Chakraborty, expressed his happiness over his father’s achievement, stating, “Feeling extremely proud and honored. My father is a self-made superstar and a great citizen. His life journey is an inspiration for millions. We are all feeling elated for this magnificent honor.”

Earlier this year, Mithun was also honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award.

The actor began his career in films with the 1976 National Award-winning drama Mrigayaa, directed by Mrinal Sen. He won his first National Film Award for Best Actor for this film.

His rise to stardom in the 1980s was cemented by the 1979 spy thriller Surakshaa, followed by hits like Disco Dancer, Dance Dance, Pyar Jhukta Nahin, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, and Commando. Mithun created a record by playing lead roles in more than 100 films in a decade.

“This life of mine is a hit… when the history of Indian cinema is written, I will definitely be mentioned in it,” the acclaimed actor once told India Today.

A recipient of three National Awards, Mithun skillfully balanced his career between Bollywood and Bengali cinema before venturing into television in the late 2000s. He judged the dance reality show Dance India Dance.

Mithun Chakraborty has recently made his first foray into the digital streaming world with the psychological thriller series Bestseller, available on Prime Video.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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