Now A BJP Functionary, Mithun Chakraborty Turns To A Political Role
NEW DELHI – Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has taken on a new role in public life as Cultural Adviser to the West Bengal government, with a focus on culture, tourism and sports development.
Chakraborty, whose iconic ‘Disco Dancer’ image made him a household name across India, is now bringing his cinematic experience to initiatives aimed at reviving West Bengal’s film industry and promoting tourism and sports in the state.
Of late, he has been involved in promoting film subsidies and is now actively taking up tourism initiatives in the Sunderbans and pushing sports development projects.
In recent times, his roles in Bengali films such as ‘Projapati’ and ‘Kabuliwala’, among others, have also earned appreciation.
Chakraborty’s connection to West Bengal runs deep. Born in Kolkata in 1950, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most celebrated film stars. His breakthrough came with ‘Mrigayaa’, which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
His political affiliations have evolved over the years. Once associated with the Trinamool Congress, Chakraborty served briefly as a Rajya Sabha MP before resigning in 2016. His shift to the BJP in 2021 marked a turning point, coinciding with the party’s growing political push in West Bengal.
After the BJP came to power in the state this year, Chakraborty emerged as a prominent cultural figure associated with the new administration.
His proximity to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also underscored his importance within the party. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari subsequently appointed him Cultural Adviser to the West Bengal government.
One of Chakraborty’s first major recommendations was a 30 per cent subsidy for films shot in the state. The proposal was accepted, signaling an effort to revive West Bengal’s film industry and attract more productions to the state.
He has also emphasized that West Bengal’s natural beauty — its mountains, seas and cultural richness — should attract filmmakers from across the country. His broader aim is to restore the state as a hub of Indian cinema, echoing its earlier era when Kolkata was a major center of film artistry.
Beyond cinema, Chakraborty has also been involved in tourism and sports development. He has championed plans to build a tourism hub in the Sunderbans, leveraging the region’s unique mangrove ecosystem and wildlife to attract domestic and international visitors. (IANS)
