Mithun Chakraborty, a legendary actor with a career spanning over five decades, recently basked in the glory of receiving the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In a heartfelt interview, he reflected on his journey, starting with the momentous recognition he received for his very first film, Mrigayaa. This pivotal moment in his career made him feel invincible, akin to the great Al Pacino. However, his bubble of self-importance was burst when a producer unceremoniously removed him from a set, forcing him to confront his own hubris.
Like many actors, Mithun experienced a rollercoaster of emotions with his debut film. The highs of success and the lows of failure are all too familiar in the entertainment industry. In a candid chat with India Today, Mithun shared a captivating tale from his early days in showbiz.
Winning a National Award for his maiden cinematic venture was a dream come true for Mithun. While most actors strive for years to earn such accolades, he achieved it right out of the gate. The initial taste of success led him to believe he was untouchable in the world of cinema. However, his inflated ego proved to be his downfall when his behavior irked a producer enough to show him the door.
Recalling the humbling experience, Mithun admitted, “I started to emulate Al Pacino in my demeanor. I truly believed I was the epitome of acting greatness. But my arrogance was my undoing, and the producer saw through it, leading to my dismissal. That was a wake-up call for me.”
Despite the glitz and glamour associated with his career, Mithun’s journey has been rife with challenges and setbacks. Many urge him to pen down his life story, but he hesitates, fearing that his struggles might discourage rather than inspire aspiring artists. His origins in a humble alley in Kolkata and the harsh realities of trying to make it in Mumbai paint a picture of hardship and perseverance.
Reflecting on his arduous path, Mithun revealed, “The road to success was fraught with hardship and pain. Nights of hunger and sleeping on the streets were not uncommon in my journey from Kolkata to Mumbai.”
Currently recuperating from a health setback, Mithun Chakraborty is gearing up for his upcoming project, the Bengali film Shastri. With three National Awards and a Padma Bhushan to his name, his illustrious career continues to inspire generations of actors to come.
