Bollywood icon Mithun Chakraborty was beaming with pride as he accepted the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the grand 70th National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan. The award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, was a momentous occasion for the 74-year-old actor, who took a trip down memory lane to share his incredible journey.
In a heartfelt reflection, Mithun revealed how he was once labeled ‘kaalia’ due to his dark complexion, facing harsh criticism and discrimination in the film industry. Recalling the hurtful remarks, he shared, “People used to say, ‘Your dark skin won’t work in this industry, why are you even here? Go back.’ They would mock me, insult me. I wondered what I should do. I even asked God, ‘Can’t you change my color?’ But God couldn’t change it.”
Determined to overcome the challenges, Mithun found solace in dance, a passion that would redefine his identity in the industry. He decided to dance in a way that would captivate audiences, shifting their focus from his appearance to his artistry. And indeed, he succeeded. Through his mesmerizing performances, he transcended his skin color and became known as the ‘s*xy, dusky Bengali babu’, a title he wore with pride.
As he stood on stage, preparing to receive the coveted award, Mithun expressed his disbelief and immense gratitude. It felt like fate had bestowed upon him a precious gift after decades of hard work and perseverance.
Mithun Chakraborty’s remarkable career began in 1977, marked by his National Award-winning debut in the film Mrigayaa. However, it was the 1982 sensation Disco Dancer that propelled him to superstardom, captivating audiences worldwide. The film’s immense success in Asia, the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and beyond solidified his position as a leading actor in the industry.
Through his resilience, talent, and unwavering spirit, Mithun Chakraborty’s journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that true success knows no boundaries.
