Actor Mithun Chakraborty's life essence describes rebellion, struggle, love, and his journey to becoming a national image. This week, Mithun Da will be presented with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Let's know his amazing life journey in detail.
Mithun Chakraborty, being from a non-film background, has lived a life that is no less than a movie. Gouranga, famously known as Mithun, was a bright student since his childhood and wanted to be a top football player in the Mohan Bagan football team during his college days. His parents then forcefully sent him to his uncle's place in Bombay (now Mumbai) for a better future after he joined the Naxalite movement.
He ran from his uncle's house. Then unemployed and homeless, Gaurang struck acquaintance with Gautam Guha, son of noted filmmaker Dulal Guha.
They both frequently visited Khalsa College, where he became friends with Avtar Gill, a member of the Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). Avtar was casting outside artists for a play in the college at the time. Gaurang was able to secure a minor but significant role in it. The compliments he received here boosted his spirits.
Fighting the struggle of selling fountain pens on the streets of Bombay, sleeping on platforms, and attending college auditions, Mithun decided to enrol in an acting course at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune to better his life. His father, on the other hand, was opposed to his acting.
The course cost Rs 300 per month back then. His mother supported him in his decision, selling her gold jewellery to pay for his son's tuition. After graduating from FTII, Mithun wanted to work in Bollywood but was turned down due to his complexion and Bengali accent. In the midst of disappointment, he received a call from his hometown, Calcutta (now Kolkata). Mrinal Sen, an eminent filmmaker, first saw Mithun during the diploma distribution at FTII. Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Ibrahim Alkhaji (famous theatre director) were seated there.
When Mrinal Sen enquired about Mithun, Alkhaji replied that you do not know him! He is Bengali! Sen laughed and said, "I don't know any Bengalis in the world." When he thought of making the film 'Mrigaya', he thought of Mithun for his tribal youth character Ghinua. Mithun was asked to send a photo without makeup.
He arrived at Mrinal Sen's house a few days later, without waiting for a response from the director. He needed to cut his hair short for this film. Sen brought in the real executioner Nata Malik to make a scene in the film's ending where Ghinua is hanged believable.
Mithun insisted on wearing the real executioner's noose during the shot, believing that it would help him perform. Sen was impressed by Mithun's acting and dedication and told him he deserved a National Award. His words came true. In 1976, he received the National Award for Best Actor for 'Mrigayaa'.
When 'Mrigayaa' was screened at the Moscow International Film Festival, Mithun was stunned to see the response he received, especially from female fans. This film gave him the respect he deserved and also the charisma he had been missing for a long time. After that, he tasted success and stardom in Bollywood with the film 'Disco Dancer'.
