In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where notions such as method acting and spontaneous performances often create bewildering narratives, there exists a unique school of acting defined simply by authenticity – the Mithun Chakraborty school. This unpretentious approach categorizes performance into two basic realms: convincing and unconvincing. This week, almost five decades after his remarkable debut in Mrinal Sen’s “Mrigayaa”—where he portrayed a young tribal man betrayed by the system—the nation honored this craft of authenticity and dedication. The government conferred upon Mithun Chakraborty the Dada Saheb Phalke Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema with the industry’s most prestigious accolade.
What sets Mithun apart is not just his extensive career span, but his resilience and ability to adapt. As an actor, he has shown an impressive range, from effortlessly charismatic star roles to profound, immersive performances. He could play larger-than-life characters like in “Jallad” (1995) or “Chandaal” (1998) and at the same time move audiences with heartfelt portrayals, like that of Saint Ramakrishna Paramhansa in “Swami Vivekanand” (1998), or an unsung freedom fighter, Sibnath, in “Tahader Katha” (1992) where he abandoned all pretense and vanity.
Mithun Chakraborty is an actor capable of catching bullets on film while convincingly bringing to life the tribulations of a character whose suffering under colonial rule affected even his most basic dignity. Even when those characters’ sacrifices seemed in vain, Mithun portrayed them with an intensity that resonated deeply with audiences across the nation.
Despite being a trained actor, Mithun’s journey was anything but easy. After his debut in “Mrigayaa,” two challenging years passed before he found acceptance in the commercial film arena. Largely outside the influential Bollywood circles and often overlooked by the industry’s giants, Mithun forged his unique path. With films like “Daata Garibon Ka Daata” in 1989, he became a beacon of hope for the common man, especially at a time when Amitabh Bachchan’s own roles had evolved beyond the quintessential angry young persona. Together, on-screen appearances in films such as “Gangaa Jamunaa Saraswati” (1988) and “Agneepath” (1990) further solidified his place in the industry.
When the relentless demands of Bollywood became overwhelming, Mithun made a strategic move to Ooty, creating a niche within the B-grade film sector.
. For him, maintaining a connection with millions seemed more significant than the fleeting approval of critics.
Acknowledging the role of destiny in his life, Mithun’s fame is gracefully carried on his versatile shoulders. His charismatic smile melts the hearts of even the harshest critics, and his appeal crosses socioeconomic divides. Depending on one’s taste and age, Mithun Chakraborty can evoke a multitude of emotions. For some, he is India’s version of James Bond, his portrayal of Gunmaster G9 in “Surakshaa” still celebrated in popular culture. Others remember his Elvis-inspired dance moves in “Disco Dancer,” continuing to incite a frenzy from remote towns like Motihari to international cities like Moscow, inspiring new generations of performers.
To many female fans, Mithun remains the quintessential charming neighbor, singing romantic songs amidst the challenges of love and family as seen in “Pyar Jhukta Nahin,” “Pyar Ka Mandir,” and other romance-driven narratives. If the commercial film world made him a star, his versatility shone brightest in Bengali cinema. Collaborating with luminaries such as Mrinal Sen, Buddhadeb Dasgupta, and Rituparno Ghosh, he earned two National Awards for Best Actor through films like “Titli” (2002), “Kaalpurush” (2005), “Shukno Lanka” (2010), and more recently, in “Kabuliwala,” that highlight his commitment to meaningful storytelling.
In the realm of politics, Mithun’s career has been as diverse as his acting repertoire. Starting with leftist ideologies in his university years, his political journey saw affiliations with the Congress post-Emergency and included tenure with the Trinamool Congress that led him to the Rajya Sabha before he gravitated towards right-wing politics. Many observers argue that his professional and political choices are often reflections of his personal ideologies and life experiences.
Despite shunning social media, Mithun retains a loyal fan base that sustains his influence both at the box office and during political campaigns. As he celebrates his 74th year, Mithun Chakraborty is actively involved in half a dozen cinematic projects. When asked if the fire within still burns bright, he is likely to respond in his signature style: “Koi Shaque?” (Any doubt?).
