Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently lauded the achievements of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, emphasizing that his extraordinary journey in cinema continues to inspire countless generations. A major honor in the Indian cinema industry, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, would be given to Mithun Chakraborty, the minister revealed.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, Vaishnaw confirmed that the award will be presented to Chakraborty during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, set to take place on October 8. Expressing his admiration for the actor’s outstanding contributions, he wrote, “Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! It is with great honour that we announce the awarding of the renowned actor Sh. Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his legendary contribution to Indian cinema by the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury. To be presented at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024.”
Mithun Chakraborty began his Bollywood journey with his debut in the film “Mrigayaa” in 1976, directed by Mrinal Sen. His role in the movie was highly acclaimed, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor and marking a promising start to his acting career. Chakraborty rose to widespread fame when he played the lead role in the iconic 1982 film “Disco Dancer,” which turned out to be a massive success, making him a household name. Over the years, he also delivered a memorable performance in the 1990 film “Agneepath,” further establishing his reputation as a versatile actor. Besides his prolific work in movies, Mithun has made frequent appearances on reality television as a judge, showcasing his continued involvement in the entertainment industry.
Among his many celebrated works, films like “Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki” and “Commando” further solidified his status in the industry, demonstrating his ability to excel in various genres and cementing his legacy as a versatile performer.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is the most prestigious honor in Indian cinema, is conferred annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals at the National Film Awards ceremony. The prize, which was established in 1969, honors Dadasaheb Phalke, who is regarded as the father of Indian cinema and is credited for helming “Raja Harishchandra,” the nation’s first feature film, in 1913.
With this honor, Mithun Chakraborty will become the 54th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Over the years, 53 distinguished personalities have received this prestigious accolade, including iconic figures such as Prithviraj Kapoor, Vinod Khanna, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, BR Chopra, and Yash Chopra. The most recent recipient before Chakraborty was the legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, who was honored with the award in 2021.
This recognition is a testament to Mithun Chakraborty’s remarkable contributions to the Indian film industry, celebrating his enduring influence and unparalleled journey that has left an indelible mark on Indian cinema.
