Mithun Chakraborty to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award, actor expresses excitement

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

In Short

• Mithun Chakraborty to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award on October 8
• He will be honoured at the 70th National Film Awards
• The actor started his career with the 1976 film Mrigayaa, and won his first National Award

Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty, 74, will be honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the news on X. He wrote, "Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honoured 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."

The actor will be felicitated with the award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony which will be held on October 8, 2024.

Reacting to the big achievement, Mithun told ANI, "I have no language to express how I feel. Na main hass sakta hun, na Khushi mein ro sakta hun (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 honour...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 congratulated the actor. "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 (sic)."

Mithun's son, actor Namashi Chakraborty, shared his happiness at his father's big achievement with India Today Digital and said he is proud of him.

"Feeling extremely proud and honoured. 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 honour," said Namashi.

Earlier this year, Mithun was honoured 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 the 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, among others. Mithun created a record by playing the lead roles in more than 100 films in a decade. His dance performances on songs like "I Am a Disco Dancer" and "Jimmy Jimmy" made him popular among his fans as 'Disco Dancer'.

The actor once told India Today, "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, recipient of three National Awards, 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 made his first foray into the digital streaming world with the psychological thriller series Bestseller, available on Prime Video.