Mithun Chakraborty to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty is all set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards Ceremony on October 8. The announcement was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday. Vaishnaw praised Mithun Da's "remarkable cinematic journey" as an inspiration for generations, stating that he was chosen by the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury for his "iconic contribution to Indian Cinema."
Check out the announcement post here
Chakraborty was recently honored with Padma Bhushan
This news comes just after Chakraborty received the Padma Bhushan in April, which he graciously accepted from President Droupadi Murmu. When he heard the news, he was taken aback and said, "I am very happy. I have never asked for anything for myself from anyone in my life." "When I received a call from the Home Ministry informing me that I was being awarded the Padma Bhushan, I was silent for a minute because I had not expected it."
Chakraborty's journey from humble beginnings to stardom
Chakraborty kicked off his career in 1976, worried he'd get stuck in B-grade flicks. But then luck smiled when Zeenat Aman agreed to star opposite him, opening doors to A-grade movies. He made his debut with Mrigayaa in 1977, which snagged him a National Film Award for Best Actor. His big break came in 1982 with the blockbuster Disco Dancer, which shot him to superstardom across Asia and beyond.
Chakraborty's diverse filmography and international acclaim
Chakraborty has acted in over 270-300 films in different languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, and Bhojpuri. His fame in Eastern Europe and Russia has earned him the title of the "last superstar of Indian cinema." He also holds a Limca World Record for having the most film releases in a single year (19 movies as lead actor in 1989).
Chakraborty's social contributions and support for cinema
Apart from his successful acting career, Chakraborty has been on a mission to make a difference in society, especially when it comes to raising awareness about thalassemia. He spent over 30 years as the head of the allied Muzdoor union and also held the position of president at the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA). Plus, he's been a major supporter of small and medium-budget films, offering a platform for budding filmmakers.