Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty is set to be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding cinematic journey and contributions to Indian cinema. A highly respected name in the industry, Mithun faced significant challenges during the late 70s and 80s, when many actresses refused to work with him, labeling him a "chota star" and a "B-grade" actor—until Zeenat Aman took a chance on him.
When Mithun was called a B-grade star
During a 2023 appearance on Zee TV’s 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa', Mithun shared, “Kitni ladai ek insaan lad sakta hai? They thought I was a ‘chota star’. ‘Yeh kabhi kya hero banega? Who will make him a hero?’ Kya kya bolte the mere baare main. I don’t even want to say it, phir dard hota hai.”
He further added, “There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t transition from B-grade films to A-grade films. There were times when the actresses walked out even after the film was announced. There was pressure and other actors were insecure that I would make it big someday. So they may have warned those heroines, ‘Iske saath kaam karogi toh humare saath kaam nahi kar sakti.’”
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Mithun's career took a significant turn when Zeenat Aman agreed to star opposite him in Brij Sadanah’s 'Taqdeer'. Recognising his potential, Zeenat famously remarked, “What a good-looking man he is! I will do the film with him.” This marked a pivotal moment in Mithun’s career.
“It was Zeenat ji who broke the jinx. Zeenat ji had the status of the number-one heroine of that time, so following her footsteps, every other actress started saying yes to the films that I worked in. With Taqdeer’s release, I became an A-category actor. I will forever be grateful to Zeenat ji for helping me attain that. Zeenat ji, if you are listening to me, I offer my pranaam to you,” Mithun said.
About Mithun Chakraborty
Mithun Chakraborty is regarded as one of the most respected and prolific actors in Indian cinema. He made his acting debut in 1977 with 'Mrigayaa', a performance that earned him a National Award. He became a sensation with the release of 'Disco Dancer' in 1982. The news of Mithun receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award comes just months after he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan.