Mithun Chakraborty receives Dadasaheb Phalke Award, opens up about early-career discrimination for being dark-skinned

In recognition of his accomplishments, veteran actor-turned-politician Mithun Chakraborty was honored with the esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on Oct 8.

He thanked everyone for acknowledging his achievements after President Droupadi Murmu presented him with the award.

During his award acceptance speech, Mithun opened up about the discrimination he had encountered based on skin tone in the early stages of his Bollywood career.

Numerous individuals told him that "dark-skinned actors wouldn't survive in Bollywood."

"I prayed to God, 'Could you change my color?" he said. However, Mithun gradually accepted his complexion and turned his attention to improving his dancing. His goal was to become so good that people forgot that he was dusky.

This was the beginning of his "sexy, dusky Bengali babu" image.

In addition, Mithun talked about his professional experiences and the difficulties he encountered after his first National Award victory.

He recalled, how after winning his first National Award, he began to see himself as Al Pacino and treated every producer with contempt, which served as a wake-up call for him.

According to Mithun, his hard work has been the only reason for his current success. He said that all of the hardships he had taught him to believe in God.

"I used to question God more than ever for my struggles, but after receiving this award, I am at peace, and I will never complain again," he said.

Mithun Chakraborty emerged as a star in the 1980s because of his memorable performance in 'Mrigayaa,' for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Well-known for his adaptability, he established himself as a mainstay in Bollywood. He became a cultural icon due to his unique dance moves and stirring performances.

In the cult classic 'Disco Dancer' (1982), he played Jimmy, the first Indian film to make ₹100 crores.

Mithun was last seen in the Pathikrit Basu-directed and Debarati Mukhopadhyay-written movie "Shastri."