Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty was in the spotlight today as he received the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award during the 70th National Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Reflecting on his journey, Chakraborty humorously expressed his feelings about receiving the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, earlier this year. “I thought everyone was getting the Padma Bhushan, so why not me? People younger than me were receiving this award, but I didn’t. But now I have finally received it,” he shared on the red carpet, showcasing his trademark candidness.
When asked about the significance of being honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the 74-year-old actor said, “What can I say? Such a great honor—I can only thank God. The struggles I faced, God has returned everything to me. I’m still processing it.”
Chakraborty, born in Calcutta, made his acting debut in the 1976 film Mrigayaa, earning a National Film Award for Best Actor for his groundbreaking performance. Over the decades, he has captivated audiences with his roles in iconic films such as Agneepath, Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye, Hum Se Hai Zamana, Pasand Apni Apni, Ghar Ek Mandir, and Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki. His extraordinary talent has been recognized with two additional National Film Awards for his performances in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998).
Chakraborty’s recent appearance in The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, has further solidified his legacy in the film industry. His son, Namashi Chakraborty, is also making waves in Bollywood with his debut in the film Bad Boy. As Mithun Chakraborty continues to receive accolades, his journey remains an inspiring testament to perseverance and passion in Indian cinema.