Mithun Chakraborty is one of the most versatile and popular actors of Indian cinema. Popularly known as ‘Mithun Da’ and famously titled the “Disco King” of Bollywood. He has done many unique dance styles, a powerful screen presence and remarkable acting skills. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor in his debut film Mrigayaa (1976) , which was directed by Mrinal Sen and that’s how he marked the beginning of a great career.
Over the next five decades, Mithun starred in over 350 films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. His breakthrough role in Disco Dancer (1982) became a massive hit not only in India but also internationally, especially in the Soviet Union, giving him a global fan base. Apart from commercial success, he has delivered critically acclaimed performances in films like Tahader Katha, Swami Vivekananda, and Agneepath.
Early Life & Education
Born Gouranga Chakraborty on 16 June 1950 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal. Earned a B.Sc. from Scottish Church College, Kolkata, and trained at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Film Career Highlights
Debut role in Mrinal Sen’s Mrigayaa (1976), earning the National Film Award for Best Actor. Broke through with Surakksha (1979) and rose to international fame with Disco Dancer (1982)-a cult hit in India and the Soviet Union. Over a five-decade career, he’s performed in ~350 films across Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Telugu, Kannada, Punjabi and Tamil.
Awards & Accolades
- National Film Awards: 4 wins (incl.Mrigayaa, Tahader Katha, Swami Vivekananda, and Dadasaheb Phalke)
- Filmfare Awards: 8 wins (e.g., Agneepath, Jallaad), plus regional Filmfare Bengali accolades.
- Civilian honours: awarded Padma Bhushan in January 2024 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Awards in October.
Other Roles & Ventures
- Producer
- Entrepreneur
- TV Host: Notably hosted Dance India Dance and runs Paparatzy Productions.
- Sports Patron: – Founded the Royal
- Bengal Tigers (ICL) and a football academy in Bengal .
- Social Work:- Co-founded CINTAA in 1992 to support struggling artists.
Politics Career
Served as Rajya Sabha MP for West Bengal (2014-2016) representing Trinamool Congress; joined the BJP in 2021.
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Personal Life
Married briefly to Helena Luke (1979); long-time spouse Yogeeta Bali since 1979. They have three sons (Mimoh, Namashi, Ushmey) and an adopted daughter, Dishani. Known for humility and resilience, despite brilliance, he’s been unfairly labelled “B-grade” by some peers—something his son Namashi recently addressed.
Legacy
From humble beginnings in Kolkata to national and international stardom, Mithun Da’s journey—marked by dance, versatility, awards, entrepreneurship, and public service—has cemented his status as a cultural icon. His story inspires resilience, humility, and creative boldness.
Written by Nilesh Shiv