Actor-politician Mithun Chakraborty will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the news on X. He wrote, “Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honoured to announce that the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to award legendary actor, Sh. Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his iconic contribution to Indian Cinema.”
The veteran actor, renowned for his exceptional cinematic journey, will be honoured during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 8, 2024.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest film honor, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema. This accolade comes just months after Mithun Chakraborty was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the arts.
Mithun Chakraborty, 74, made his debut with ‘Mrigayaa’ in 1976, directed by Mrinal Sen, a role that earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. Over the decades, he became a prominent figure in Indian cinema, particularly known for his iconic performances in films such as Disco Dancer (1982), which became a massive success across Asia, the Soviet Union, and Africa. His filmography also includes classics like Agneepath, Ghar Ek Mandir, Hum Se Hai Zamana, and Tahader Katha, for which he won another National Film Award.
Upon hearing the news, Mithun Da expressed his gratitude after receiving the Padma Bhushan earlier this year. “I have never asked for anything for myself from anyone in my life. When I received a call from the Home Ministry informing me that I was being awarded the Padma Bhushan, I was silent for a minute because I had not expected it,” the actor said.
Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to… https://t.co/aFpL2qMKlo
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2024
Mithun’s most recent film appearance was in The Kashmir Files (2022), a critically acclaimed movie directed by Vivek Agnihotri. The legendary actor has continued to inspire younger generations with his vast body of work, spanning more than four decades. His son, Namashi Chakraborty, has also made his Bollywood debut with the film Bad Boy.
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969 in honour of the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, has been awarded to 53 veterans prior to Mithun Chakraborty. The 2021 recipient of the award was legendary actress Waheeda Rehman, celebrated for her performances in films like Guide and Kaagaz Ke Phool.
