Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty has added another feather to his illustrious cap. On October 8, 2024, Mithun was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award during the 70th National Film Awards, cementing his place in Indian cinema’s history. Known for his work in over 350 films, Mithun is a name synonymous with Bollywood’s golden era, and this award is the highest recognition in Indian cinema.
Upon receiving the honor, the 73-year-old actor was visibly emotional and grateful. He shared his overwhelming feelings, reflecting on his journey full of hardships, discrimination, and ultimately, triumph.
“God Returned My Struggles with Interest,” Says Mithun Chakraborty
In his acceptance speech, Mithun spoke candidly about the numerous struggles he faced in his career. He said, “I still can’t believe I’ve received this honor. Whatever troubles I had to endure in life, God has returned them with interest.”
Recalling his early days, Mithun mentioned how tough it was to break into the film industry, especially for someone who didn’t fit the typical Bollywood mold. He shared how his skin color became the subject of ridicule, with people calling him names like ‘Kalia’ on the streets. “I told God that you cannot change my color, so I won’t let my feet stop. I kept dancing, and eventually, people forgot about my color and called me a sexy, dusky Bengali babu,” Mithun said with pride.
Success Didn’t Come Easy
Despite his massive success, Mithun revealed that fame didn’t come served on a silver platter. He reflected on how he used to complain to God about the struggles he endured. “Nothing came easy for me. Everything I achieved was earned through hard work. But today, after receiving this award, I have stopped complaining. I thank Bholenath for giving me back everything with interest,” Mithun said with gratitude.
Mithun’s humility and unfiltered honesty during his speech won the hearts of many. He also shared how he once thought receiving the National Award early in his career made him untouchable in the industry. “I thought of myself as Al Pacino. I would walk into directors’ and producers’ offices yawning, telling them to send the scripts to my house. One day, a producer kicked me out, and that’s when I realized I wasn’t as big as I thought,” he recalled with a chuckle.
A Message to the Younger Generation: “Don’t Let Your Dreams Sleep”
Mithun also had some valuable advice for the younger generation trying to make it big in the industry. “There is a lot of young talent out there, but many lack financial backing, just like I did. My message to them is simple: don’t lose hope. Dream big. Fall asleep yourself but don’t let your dreams sleep,” he said, emphasizing the importance of persistence.
Mithun’s message resonated with many young aspiring actors and fans who see him as a role model. His journey from the footpaths of Kolkata to the pinnacle of Indian cinema serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling to make their mark.
A Humble Beginning to an Iconic Career
Mithun Chakraborty’s journey to stardom was anything but smooth. He started from scratch, with no film background or connections, and worked his way up to become a household name. In a recent interview when the Dadasaheb Phalke Award was announced, Mithun expressed disbelief at his achievement, saying, “I never thought a boy from the footpath would receive such a big honor. If someone like me, who had nothing, could make it to this level, anyone can.”
70th National Film Awards: A Night of Celebrations
Apart from Mithun’s momentous achievement, the 70th National Film Awards recognized several other notable talents in the industry. The Kannada blockbuster KGF 2 bagged awards in two categories, adding to its national acclaim. Manoj Bajpayee was honored for his powerful performance in Gulmohar, and Pritam won the Best Music Director award for his work in Brahmastra.
In the Best Actress category, Nitya Menen and Mansi Parekh won for their brilliant performances in Kantara. Meanwhile, Neena Gupta was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in Unchai. The special mention award went to Manoj Bajpayee for Gulmohar, further solidifying his position as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.
Veteran director Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan also made headlines, winning the Best Tamil Film award, while Vishal Bhardwaj bagged the Best Music Award in the Non-Feature Film category for Fursat.
Mithun’s Legacy
With his latest accolade, Mithun Chakraborty has not only etched his name in the annals of Indian cinema but has also solidified his status as a living legend. Known for his humility, grit, and passion for acting, Mithun continues to inspire generations of actors and fans alike.
His career, spanning decades, is proof that with hard work, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved. For Mithun, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award is not just an acknowledgement of his stellar career but a testament to his resilience and undying spirit.
