Suparjya Swain 
BHUBANESWAR: Legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty has been named the recipient of this year’s Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema. The announcement was made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“From the streets of Kolkata to cinematic heights, Mithun Da’s remarkable 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,” Minister Vaishnaw wrote.
The award will be presented to Mithun Chakraborty at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 8.
Chakraborty’s illustrious career in Indian cinema began with his debut in Mrinal Sen’s art house drama *Mrigayaa* (1976), a performance that earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. The film was a commercial success, particularly in the Soviet Union, marking the beginning of a career that would see him rise to international stardom.
He became a sensation after the release of *Disco Dancer* in 1982, a film that performed phenomenally across Asia, the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. Mithun’s dynamic screen presence and versatile acting earned him a massive fan base worldwide.
This announcement comes just months after Chakraborty was conferred the Padma Bhushan by President Droupadi Murmu in April. Reflecting on the honor, he said, “I am very happy. I have never asked for anything for myself from anyone in my life. When I received a call from the Home Ministry informing me that I was being awarded the Padma Bhushan, I was silent for a minute because I had not expected it.”
With a career spanning decades, Mithun has appeared in numerous iconic films including *Agneepath*, *Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye*, *Hum Se Hai Zamana*, *Ghar Ek Mandir*, and *Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki*, among others. More recently, he appeared in the acclaimed film *OMG: Oh My God*.
Born Gouranga Chakraborty on June 16, 1950, Mithun’s contribution to Indian cinema has been monumental. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, first presented in 1969, honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Indian cinema. This year’s recognition solidifies Mithun’s place as one of the true legends of the Indian film industry.
