PM Modi congratulates Mithun Chakraborty on receiving the Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 'He is a cultural icon'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his admiration for veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, who is set to receive the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the upcoming 70th National Film Awards ceremony. This accolade, which represents the highest honor in Indian cinema, will be presented on October 8, 2024.
In a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi stated, "Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty Ji has been conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, recognizing his unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema.He is a cultural icon, admired across generations for his versatile performances. Congratulations and best wishes to him."
This recognition not only celebrates Chakraborty's artistic achievements but also reinforces his status as a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
The announcement was made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on social media, highlighting Chakraborty's significant contributions to the film industry. Chakraborty, known for his roles in iconic films such as 'Mrigayaa', 'Disco Dancer', and 'Dance Dance', has had a remarkable career spanning several decades. He made his acting debut in 1976 with 'Mrigayaa', directed by Mrinal Sen, a performance that earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Over the years, he has received multiple accolades, including two additional National Film Awards for his performances in 'Tahader Katha' (1992) and 'Swami Vivekananda' (1998).
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is awarded annually by the Government of India to individuals for their lifetime contribution to Indian cinema. Chakraborty's selection for this honor is a testament to his enduring legacy and influence within the industry. His career is marked by versatility, having acted in over 200 films across various languages, including Hindi and Bengali. Notably, he holds a record in the Limca Book of Records for starring in 19 films as a lead actor in a single year—1989—a feat that remains unmatched.
The upcoming ceremony will be presided over by President Droupadi Murmu and will also recognize other notable figures in Indian cinema. Previous recipients of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award include legendary actors like Waheeda Rehman and Amitabh Bachchan, making this honor particularly significant .