Mithun Chakraborty Receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award at 70th National Film Awards

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. The award was presented during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on October 8, 2024. President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious honor upon the celebrated actor.

Mithun Chakraborty, known for his iconic performances in films such as “Disco Dancer,” “Agneepath,” and “Tahader Katha,” has also been recognized with three National Film Awards for his roles in “Mrigayaa,” “Tahader Katha,” and “Swami Vivekananda.” His friend and fellow actor Dharmendra shared a heartfelt message celebrating this achievement. “Dear MithUN, Congratulations for Dadasaheb Phalke, India’s most prestigious Award. Give my love to everyone at home. I am out of India but I will definitely come to give you a big hug,” Dharmendra wrote on Instagram.

Despite having a fractured hand, Mithun attended the ceremony, visibly emotional as he viewed a showreel of his illustrious career before receiving the award. In his acceptance speech, Mithun recounted the challenges he faced in Bollywood, highlighting the prejudices related to his complexion. “Many told me that dark-skinned actors wouldn’t survive in Bollywood. I prayed to God, ‘Could you change my color?’ But eventually accepted I couldn’t alter my complexion. Instead, I focused on my dancing skills, determined to become so remarkable that audiences would overlook my skin color,” he stated.

Reporters present at the ceremony noted Mithun’s expression of gratitude towards the film industry and his countless supporters, acknowledging the hard work that defined his journey. “Everything I earned was through hard work. I often questioned God for my struggles, but after receiving this award, I feel at peace and will never complain again,” the actor added.

The 70th National Film Awards also recognized other notable achievements in Indian cinema. Rishab Shetty received the Best Actor award for his role in “Kantara,” AR Rahman was awarded Best Music Direction for “Ponniyin Selvan,” and Sooraj Barjatya won Best Direction for “Uunchai.”