Actor Mithun Chakraborty, widely regarded as one of the most versatile figures in Indian cinema, will be honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2022. The announcement was made on Monday by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The minister expressed immense joy in recognizing Mithun Chakraborty’s monumental contributions to Indian cinema. Renowned for his dynamic performances and iconic screen presence, Mithun Da, as he is affectionately called, has been a beloved figure in the film industry for decades.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Mithun Chakraborty on receiving the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his exceptional contributions to Indian cinema. Praising the legendary actor, PM Modi described him as a cultural icon, admired by generations for his diverse and versatile performances.

Mithun Chakraborty’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated film star has been one of determination and resilience. Born Gourang Chakraborty on June 16, 1950, in Kolkata, West Bengal, he earned national recognition with his very first film, Mrigayaa (1976), for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Mithun went on to establish a lasting legacy in Indian cinema.

He rose to prominence with his role in Disco Dancer* (1982), a film that became a major success in India and abroad, and cemented his status as a dance icon. His dynamic performance and unique dance style in the film brought disco music into the mainstream of Indian cinema, and his popularity soared.

In addition to Disco Dancer, his notable work includes a powerful supporting role in Agneepath (1990), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Mithun Chakraborty has also garnered two more National Film Awards for his roles in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998), showcasing his versatility across a range of genres.

Mithun Chakraborty’s contributions are not limited to the silver screen. Over the course of a nearly five-decade-long career, he has acted in over 350 films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, and Telugu. His diverse filmography reflects his ability to portray a wide spectrum of characters, from action heroes to emotional, complex roles.

Mithun Chakraborty has also demonstrated his commitment to public service and social welfare through his tenure as a Member of Parliament.

Mithun Chakraborty has been recognized with numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors. His influence on Indian cinema is profound, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award will be presented during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 8, 2024. The selection committee for the award included esteemed personalities such as Asha Parekh, Khushbu Sundar, and Vipul Amrutlal Shah.