Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, a Bollywood legend, was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. The award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, marked an emotional moment for the actor, who reflected on his long and challenging journey in the film industry.
During his acceptance speech, Mithun candidly spoke about the color bias he faced early in his career. The actor recalled how many told him that “dark-skinned actors wouldn’t survive in Bollywood.” He admitted, “I prayed to God, ‘Could you change my color?’” However, Mithun soon decided to shift his focus from his appearance to honing his dancing skills, determined to make his talent outshine his skin tone.
Over time, Mithun embraced his “dusky Bengali babu” persona, and his hard work, dancing prowess, and undeniable talent earned him a special place in Bollywood. Reflecting on his journey, Mithun shared, “Whatever I’ve achieved today is only because of my hard work.”
He also revealed that after winning his first National Award, his confidence soared to the point where he began acting like Al Pacino, but a reality check came when a producer threw him out of his office. That moment grounded him and reinforced his belief in hard work and faith in God.
Mithun’s story, filled with resilience and determination, continues to inspire many, as he remains an iconic figure in Indian cinema. He was last seen in the film Shastri, directed by Pathikrit Basu.
Stay tuned for more on Mithun’s incredible journey and his future projects!