Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
The award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu, marks the highest recognition in Indian cinema, celebrating Mithun’s incredible contribution to the industry over the past four decades. The audience, including dignitaries and attendees, gave a standing ovation to the legendary actor as he received the accolade.
In a heartfelt interview , Mithun expressed his deep gratitude for the honor, stating, “I dedicate this award to my family and all my fans around the world.” Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Kolkata, he shared his disbelief and joy at how far he had come, from being a “boy from the footpath” to receiving Indian cinema’s most prestigious award. He encouraged his fans and those facing financial struggles, saying, “If I can make it, then you can do it too.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his congratulations to Mithun, calling him a “cultural icon” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema and his ability to captivate audiences across generations.
Fondly referred to as ‘Mithun Da’, Chakraborty made his film debut in 1976 with “Mrigayaa”, earning his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of a Santhal rebel. Over his illustrious career, he has won two additional National Film Awards, for his roles in “Tahader Katha” (1992) and “Swami Vivekananda” (1998).
Aside from his acting achievements, Mithun became a sensation in the music and dance world with his iconic performances in songs like “I Am a Disco Dancer”, “Jimmy Jimmy”, and “Super Dancer”, which continue to be adored by fans worldwide.
Recently, Mithun appeared in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically acclaimed film “The Kashmir Files”, demonstrating his continued relevance and versatility in Indian cinema. This lifetime achievement award is a fitting tribute to his incredible legacy.
