Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 30: Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, star of films such as Mrigayaa, Surakshaa, Disco Dancer, and Dance Dance, was on Monday named recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Government’s highest recognition in the field of cinema.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on X.

“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 Minister said in the post.

The award will be presented to Chakraborty at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024, Vaishnaw said.

Chakraborty, 74, made his acting debut with Mrinal Sen’’s 1976 film Mrigayaa, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.

He is also known for films such as Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki and Commando.

PM Modi congratulates Mithun Chakraborty

Expressing delight at veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty being conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded him as a cultural icon.

In a post on X, Modi 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 him”, he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also congratulated the veteran actor.

“Mithun Ji’s illustrious career spanning several decades has not only enriched our films but has also set standards of excellence in acting. All my best wishes to him,” Shah said.

If I can reach here, why can’t others if they work hard: Mithun Chakraborty on Dadasaheb Phalke award

Meanwhile, Mithun Chakraborty on Monday said if he can get the Dadasaheb Phalke award then others can also get it if they have the dedication and spirit of hard work.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw in a post on X informed that Mithun Chakraborty has been named the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

To a question how he view this in retrospect, the journey from north Kolkata home, the veteran actor told reporters here, “I only wish to tell everyone that if I have reached this far, why can’t you?”

“You (the aspiring actors) should have the dedication and motivation. You should have the resilience to face difficult situations and keep doing your work. I can be the example,” he said.

Asked about the wishes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chakraborty said “I am thanking him for the wishes and greetings. He and everyone else who had wished me.”

To a question about his earlier stint as a Rajya Sabha MP from TMC, Chakraborty said “I had stepped down long back and I am no more the MP. I am an actor who is also involved in social work for people.”

Chakraborty said about inferences that his association with BJP had any role in getting the honour, “I am associated with BJP. But I have worked in the industry in all these decades and got the love of people.”

To another question about the R G Kar incident and the ongoing investigations, Chakraborty said “Like everyone else I was shaken by this incident. We all want all those behind such barbaric crime be tracked and punished promptly. If that is delayed or does not happen then the issue of women’s safety will never be ensured.” (PTI)