Mithun Chakraborty is one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema. From his first film Mrigayaa (1976), for which he won the National award, to his still going strong career, the actor has created incredible moments and performances onscreen.
The actor was recently awarded the honor of Dadasaheb Phalke, India’s highest award for cinema for his work in the Hindi and Bengali film industries.
Subhash K Jha talks to the actor about what the award means to him and more.
I finally got to speak to the new Dadasaheb Phalke winner late last night. Mithunda whom I’ve know since his Mrigaya days , sounded happy but tired. “I am Kolkata shooting for a Bengali film. I couldn’t believe it! I thought it was a crank call or something. The call came straight from the Ministry Of Information and Broadcasting. When the information sank in, I was numbed. I still am numbed. Is this really happening to me? Subhash, I was a nobody. I never imagined I would come this far. I had to do all kinds of films to keep my kitchen fires burning. And I am proud of all my films, good-bad—ugly. I had a wife and four children to feed. At one point in my life I moved to Ooty with my family to look after my hotel business.”
Mithunda is proud of the fact that he has never lobbied for any recognition or role. “I’ve never gone out to get anything. I have never demanded anything. Whatever I’ve got in life has come to me without my efforts. It’s all God’s grace. My family especially my wife(former actress Yogeeta Bali) has been a tremendous support.”
His message to his fans on this prestigious recognition. “That if Mithun Chakraborty can do it , so can anyone else. That it is okay for the common man like me to have dreams. They do come true… Now you will have to excuse me. They are calling me for a shot. It is a Bengali film featuring me and Anjan Dutt for the first time together. It is called Shriman Vs Shrimati, and it is directed by Pathikrit Basu. I am enjoying myself shooting in Kolkata. My beginning as an actor was in Bengali. Now life seems to have come a full circle. I couldn’t be happier. It feels unreal! Almost like a dream. I am sorry I was not able to talk to you earlier. I’ve been shooting nonstop in Kolkata . I have not been able to reply to any of the numerous messages from friends and media. You are the first one I am speaking to today.”
