Legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty, a recent Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner, spoke about the major challenges he faced right at the budding stage of his career.
Talking to NDTV, the actor revealed how several female stars did not want to work with him initially and that added more challenges in a post-success scenario.Within a year of winning a National Award for his debut film, Mithun faced a down phase in his career.According to him, the period was full of obstacles, he shared, “Bohot rukawatein bhi thi (There were many obstacles). I was going ahead in life at a great speed, so obstacles were inevitable.” He was determined not to give in to despair, amidst all these adversities. He said, “I didn’t want to succumb to that lull. I had decided that if I had to lose, then at least I’ll battle it out. I’ll not just give up.
Zeenat Aman was one of the great figures at that time. Mithun remembered one landmark situation when she agreed to work with him in a Brij Sadanah film. The director appreciated Mithun and informed Zeenat, “he is a very handsome-looking boy. He dances well.” This recommendation helped break the cycle of rejection and leading actresses again started signing films for working with him. Eager to thank her, Mithun said, “I am forever grateful to Zeenat ji.”.
Besides these industry challenges, he had to face criticism because of his dark skin. But he survived and grew up to be one of the most beloved stars of Bollywood and his signature role remains forever: ‘Disco Dancer.’
Mithun Chakraborty Holds Back Tears On Receiving Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Gets Candid On Struggles
