Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to honour Mithun Chakraborty Ji’s contribution to Indian Cinema.
He will be awarded at their 70th National Film Awards on October 8, 2024. This monumental recognition comes as we are delighted to inform everyone.
Mithun is an iconic Indian actor and an icon in Bengali cinema.
Chakraborty gained immense popularity through performing various genres of acting and versatility. He is known for his magnetic screen personality and has made a significant impact in Bollywood and regional cinema, especially Bengali cinema. His popularity extends to Indian television, where he has mentored young talents.
Emerging to fame in the late 1970s, and 1980s, he turned into a disco king with films like Disco Dancer, Mrigayaa, and Pyaar Jhukta Nahin. He is also a popular personality on Indian television, and he has spent time mentoring young talents. The struggle of Mithun brings out his passion for different reigns with a neat impact on Indian cinema. This honour with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award further solidifies him as a legendary figure in the history of entertainment in India.
Dance style and influence on Bollywood
Mithun Chakraborty’s dance style was a captivating fusion of disco, traditional Indian dance, and freestyle. His impressive versatility was evidenced in films like ‘Disco Dancer.’ His energetic performances earned him the name ‘Disco King,’ setting a trend among Bollywood dancers and actors and inspiring young dancers and actors of today.
His dance was able to become one of the leading forms of mainstream Hindi cinema. He proved that flaring and spectacular choreography can take a film to an entirely new level. Therefore, dance was integrated as an important element of Bollywood and contributed to changing the entertainment landscape in the future. Blessed are we for having seen him and letting his ever-memorable and never-fading dance numbers continue to speak. Mithun’s legacy persists, with his dance numbers continuing to be celebrated and referenced, underscoring his enduring influence on Indian cinema and its dynamic dance culture.
Chakraborty’s iconic signature moves in ‘Disco Dancer’
The movie Disco Dancer was one of the biggest hits of the early eighties. And this superhit movie became a star vehicle for Mithun Chakraborty. Chakraborty starred in the movie, directed by Satish Kaushik, which depicted the struggling ‘Jimmy’ from a street performing artist to a pop star. The film was loved for its juicy storyline, peppy dance numbers, and songs.
Due to the mimic and enchanting dancing moves of Mithun, the movie ‘Disco Dancer,’ turned into a super Hit not only in The land of India but also in international territories. From a lower-middle-class family, Chakraborty turned overnight celebrity with the movie. The picture not only changed the look of Bollywood in the aspect of the idea of dance-related films but also carried hope for hundreds and thousands of budding dancers who wished to chase their dancing passion and turn it into a profession.
Mithun Chakraborty, the undisputed Disco King of Indian cinema, continued to reign supreme long after Disco Dancer. His songs and dance moves remain popular even today, a testament to his enduring influence.
His vibrant persona and exceptional talent made him synonymous with an entire generation. Chakraborty’s success paved the way for future generations, leaving a dynamic impact on Bollywood’s dance culture that is still felt today.
Contribution beyond Bollywood
Besides Bollywood, Mithun Chakraborty gave a new direction to regional films, especially Bengali films immensely. After becoming a star in Hindi films, Chakraborty came back to Bengali films and did roles that had more meaning for Bengali people. He worked in some of the appreciated films like ‘Tahader Katha’ and ‘Swami Vivekananda,’ where he established himself as an actor who can also do sensitivity in films.
His contributions to Bengali cinema had fetched him many awards such as the National Film Award, emphasizing his commitment to differentiate narratives.
Chakraborty’s influence extended beyond his acting prowess. He played a pivotal role in nurturing regional directors and providing opportunities to new talents.
His foray into Oriya and Bhojpuri films was a testament to his commitment to the growth of the Indian cinema industry. His contributions to different film industries reflect his dedication to preserving Indian cinema’s cultural diversity and ensuring that his influence transcends Bollywood.
The manner in which Chakraborty performed his dances, Disco, Indian folk, and the Freestyle were features that suited fans perfectly. Mithun’s commanding presence and innovative method of dancing changed the trend among the budding actors and dancers of Bollywood. Also, he turned the dances into the centrepiece of the movies, which unquestionably contributed to modern Hindi cinema.
A beacon of inspiration for Indian Cinema
Mithun Chakraborty remains an icon to consider in Indian movies, and certainly, he gave a new dimension to the dancing part in films. He enthralled the people with a perfect choreography of disco, Indian classical dancing, and freestyle, which became standards in the field. ‘Disco Dancer’ being one of his most memorable movies, he surely knew the magic of dance in the plot.
Apart from acting, Chakraborty has nurtured so many youth talents directing them to transform the industry permanently. His lasting legacy not only inspires aspiring actors and dancers but also guarantees that dance remains a fundamental aspect of Bollywood’s allure and appeal.