Boy From Footpath Is Being Recognized: Mithun On Phalke Award
MUMBAI, (ANI) – Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, who has essayed iconic roles like the one in ‘Disco Dancer’ and who has been named as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award says that he “never imagined that a boy from the footpath could receive such a big honor.”
The three-time National Award-winning actor, who has inspired generations with his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Bollywood’s most celebrated stars, dedicated the award to those who have supported him along the way.
“I can only say that I dedicate this award to my family and all my fans around the world. Where I come from, from a blind alley in Kolkata, I never imagined that a boy from the footpath could receive such a big honor,” the actor-turned politician said in an exclusive interview.
“I’m literally dumbfounded, trust me. I can’t smile, I can’t cry with happiness because a man from literally nowhere, a nobody, made it. This also proves what I always tell my fans and those who aren’t financially strong: if I can make it, then you can do it too,” he said.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is highest government honor accorded for contributions in the field of cinema.
The award will be presented to Chakraborty at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8.Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the “cultural icon” on the honor.
Fondly referred to as ‘Mithun Da’ by his fans, he made his film debut in 1976 with ‘Mrigayaa’, captivating audiences with his versatile acting skills ever since.
Mithun’s initial portrayal of a Santhal rebel earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in his debut film.
He later received two additional National Film Awards for his performances in ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992) and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
Beyond his acting prowess, Mithun also made a significant mark in the music industry with his electrifying dance numbers, including hits like ‘I Am a Disco Dancer,’ ‘Jimmy,’ and ‘Super Dancer.’
These tracks have become iconic and remain beloved by fans across generations.
Most recently, Mithun Chakraborty appeared in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically acclaimed film ‘The Kashmir Files’.
Past winners of the Dadasaheb Phalke award include filmmakers Satyajit Ray, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and Tapan Sinha, actors Soumitra Chatterjee, Waheeda Rehman, Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Rajkumar, Sivaji Ganesan, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Shashi Kapoor, Asha Parekh and Rajinikanth and musicians Manna Dey, Bhupen Hazarika, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle.
