Mithun Chakraborty, born Gouranga Chakraborty on June 16, 1950 in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, is one of the most iconic and versatile actors in Indian cinema. Fondly called “Mithun Da” by fans, he rose from humble beginnings to become a superstar whose career spans over four decades. Before entering the film industry, Mithun was a student of chemistry at Scottish Church College, Kolkata, and later attended the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, where he honed his acting skills.
He made his acting debut in 1976 with the art-house film Mrigayaa, directed by Mrinal Sen, which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor for his very first performance. This rare achievement established him as a serious talent. However, it was his role in the 1982 musical blockbuster Disco Dancer that catapulted him to nationwide fame and gave him an international fan base, particularly in the Soviet Union. His signature dance moves, energetic performances, and charming screen presence earned him a unique place in Bollywood history during the 1980s and 1990s.
Throughout his career, Mithun acted in over 350 films across multiple languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Bhojpuri, and Tamil. His filmography features a wide range of genres—from action-packed hits like Boxer, Agneepath, and Gunda, to socially relevant films like Tahader Katha and Shukno Lanka. He won three National Film Awards and several Filmfare Awards for his outstanding performances.
Apart from acting, Mithun Chakraborty is also known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including owning hotels in Ooty under the brand name The Monarch Group. He served as a judge on popular TV dance reality shows such as Dance India Dance, where he was loved for his warmth and signature “Kya Baat, Kya Baat, Kya Baat!” phrase.
In addition to his entertainment career, Mithun ventured into politics, serving as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2016. He has been actively involved in charitable work and remains a beloved figure among his fans. Despite ups and downs in his professional and personal life, Mithun’s journey from a struggling young man in Kolkata to a celebrated star is a true tale of perseverance, talent, and charisma.
Field | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Gouranga Chakraborty |
Stage Name | Mithun Chakraborty |
Date of Birth | June 16, 1950 |
Place of Birth | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
Profession | Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur, Politician |
Debut Film | Mrigayaa (1976) |
Breakthrough Film | Disco Dancer (1982) |
Years Active | 1976–present |
Notable Awards | 3 National Film Awards, Several Filmfare Awards |
Languages Worked In | Hindi, Bengali, Oriya, Bhojpuri, Tamil |
Other Ventures | Hotel business (The Monarch Group), TV reality show judge |
Political Career | Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (2014–2016) |
Famous For | Dance moves, versatile acting, action roles |