September 30, 2024: In a significant recognition of his illustrious career, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has been nominated for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honour in Indian cinema. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on Monday, celebrating Chakraborty’s impact on the film industry.

“Mithun Da’s remarkable cinematic 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,” Vaishnaw stated on X.

The award will be presented at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony scheduled for October 8, 2024. Chakraborty, who is 74 years old, has been a significant figure in Indian cinema for decades, celebrated for his diverse roles and exceptional talent.

A former Rajya Sabha member from the Trinamool Congress, Chakraborty joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2021. He is a recipient of three National Film Awards and was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.

Chakraborty made his acting debut in Mrinal Sen’s film Mrigayaa (1976), which earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. However, he became a household name with his performance in the iconic film Disco Dancer (1982).

As the 54th recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Chakraborty joins a prestigious list of honorees recognized for their substantial contributions to Indian cinema. The award was established in 1969 to commemorate Dadasaheb Phalke, regarded as the father of Indian cinema, who directed the nation’s first feature film, Raja Harishchandra, in 1913.