Mithun Chakraborty To Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 10 Best Performances Of The Iconic Actor

Mithun Chakraborty is all set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, one of the highest honours in Indian cinema. The announcement came from Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, on X.

. The minister mentioned that the veteran actor is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema throughout his career. The award will be presented to him during the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for October 8. This accolade follows just a few months after Mithun Chakraborty was awarded the Padma Bhushan in April. With over 300 films under his belt, it’s nearly impossible to single out the best work of a legend like Mithun Chakraborty. Known as a superstar of the masses, Mithun’s filmography is full of commercial hits. At one time, he was even hailed as the ‘disco king’ of Bollywood.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, let’s revisit some of his most memorable performances.

Disco Dancer (1982)

In this film, Mithun plays Anil, a street performer wrongly accused of stealing a guitar. After being humiliated, he and his mother move to Goa. There, Anil is discovered by David Brown, who renames him Jimmy and helps him rise to stardom. However, his success is not without opposition, as powerful figures like P.N. Oberoi and his son Sam try to sabotage him. Mithun’s iconic dance moves and the unforgettable soundtrack, including the hit song I am a Disco Dancer, solidified the film’s place in Bollywood history and even made Mithun a star in Soviet Russia.

Boxer (1984)

Inspired by Rocky, Mithun shines as Shankar, a thief who transforms into a boxer. His character’s journey is fueled by his desire to fulfil his father’s broken dreams. After meeting coach Tony Braganza, Shankar trains to become a champion but faces obstacles, including having to step away from the sport. However, when his brother’s life is at stake, Shankar returns to the ring despite an eye injury. With emotional depth and authenticity, Mithun’s performance as a boxer was well-received, and the film’s soundtrack by RD Burman continues to be remembered.

Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985)

A remake of Aa Gale Lag Jaa, this film tells the story of a rich girl, Preeti (Padmini Kolhapure), and a middle-class photographer, Ajay (Mithun Chakraborty). The film revolves around the emotional turmoil caused by Preeti’s father, who manipulates the young couple, leading to misunderstandings. With intense emotional scenes and strong performances by Mithun and Padmini, the film became a fan favourite.

Agneepath (1990)

In this film, Amitabh Bachchan took centre stage as Vijay Deenanath Chavhan, a man seeking revenge. However, Mithun, playing Krishnan Iyer (M.A.), stole hearts with his portrayal of a loyal friend and eventual love interest to Vijay’s sister. Mithun’s humourous yet sincere character balanced the film’s heavy tone, earning him a National Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Mrigayaa (1976)

In his debut role, Mithun Chakraborty played a tribal hunter in colonial India. The film’s gripping narrative explores social oppression and rebellion against the British. Mithun’s raw and powerful performance won him the National Award for Best Actor, marking the beginning of a celebrated career. While the film didn’t fare well commercially at the time, it has since been hailed as a classic.

Surakksha (1979)

Mithun became a household name with Surakksha, where he played Gunmaster G9, a secret agent on a mission to expose an organisation called SSO. The film, full of high-energy action and stunts, is often remembered for its fun vibe. The song Mausam Hai Gaane Ka from this film also became a hit.

Taraana (1979)

In this romantic drama, Mithun’s character, Shyam, falls in love with Radha (Ranjeeta Kaur), a girl from a nomadic tribe. The film was full of melodrama and chart-topping songs, cementing the lead pair’s popularity.

Wardat (1981)

This sequel to Surakksha saw Mithun Chakraborty reprise his role as Gunmaster G9. With a plot involving genetically modified locusts and a villain with a grand scheme, Wardat was ahead of its time. Full of Hollywood-style action and wild twists, the film showed Mithun’s versatility as a performer.

Jallaad (1995)

In a rare double role, the celebrated actor portrayed both the villain Amavas and his righteous son, Shakti. The film delves into themes of morality and power and Mithun’s portrayal of the sinister Amavas won him a Filmfare Award for Best Villain.

Swami Vivekananda (1998)

Mithun Chakraborty’s portrayal of saint Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in this biographical film earned him his third National Award. His realistic and heartfelt depiction of the spiritual leader remains one of his most revered performances to date.