I don’t have words: Mithun Chakraborty on Dadasaheb Phalke Award honour

From the narrow alleys of Kolkata to sleeping hungry on the streets of Mumbai, from facing discrimination due to his skin colour to taking on supporting roles before reigning over the big screen in the late 1970s and 1980s, Mithun Chakraborty’s journey is as interesting and full of twists as a classic Bollywood masala film. So, when the 74-year-old actor was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest government honour for contributions to Indian cinema, it was only natural for him to be deeply moved. “I came from the blind lanes of Kolkata and slept empty stomach in Mumbai. Now, to get this recognition... I am speechless. I don’t have words. I can neither cry nor laugh. This is such a big thing,” said Mithun in Kolkata and dedicated this honour to his family and fans across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ‘Disco Dancer’ actor and wrote on social media, “Delighted that Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognising his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to him.”

I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the recognition of the veteran actor. 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 Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema.”

Mithun, who bagged his first National Award as an actor for his debut film in legendary Mrinal Sen’s ‘Mrigayaa’ in 1976, recalled his struggling days on Monday. He said how his life has never been smooth. “I had to fight for everything in life. But when you receive such recognition, you forget all the pain,” said Mithun, who is in Kolkata for the release of his Bengali film ‘Shashtri’ on Durga Puja.

Meanwhile, Rituparna Sengupta, who has worked with Mithun in ‘Rehmat Ali’ and ‘Hungama’, said, “I am extremely happy and proud of him. Mithun da is our pride and I am privileged to work with him in so many films including Hindi and Bengali. Dada has guided me extensively,” she said.

Bengali actor-producer Dev, who has worked with the veteran actor in box office blockbuster ‘Projapoti’, said no one was more deserving than Mithun for the award. “Congratulations Mithun Da. No one was more deserving of this award than you. Your remarkable contributions to the world of acting are truly unparalleled,” Dev posted.

Mithun’s career has spanned over four decades, during which he became one of Bollywood’s most sought-after actors. The three-time National Award-winning actor is known for films like ‘Pyar Jhukta Nahi’, ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, ‘Kalankini Kankabati’, ‘OMG: Oh My God’ and ‘Guru’ to name a few.