Mithun Chakraborty was once labeled as ‘Garibon ka Amitabh Bachchan’ despite winning a National Award

MUMBAI: Bollywood's disco dancers have left a legacy unmatched by anything else. A significant figure in the history of Bollywood film is Mithun Chakraborty. He is well-known for his memorable parts in numerous films, including Gunda, Chaalbaaz, OMG, and many more. However, the endearing public hero had an extremely difficult ascent to prominence. The 74-year-old movie actor initially had to deal with a lot of discrimination. In an era where heroes with lighter skin tones predominated, he was often teased for the color of his skin. Gareebo Ka Amitabh Bachchan was the moniker given to Mithun Chakraborty even after he had won a National Award.

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In fact, Mithun Chakraborty was a cult hero in India thanks to his exceptional coordination of intricate dance moves to Bappi Lahiri's fast-paced disco hits. Before he brought "the party" to the public through his songs and films, Mithun's dark complexion, gapped teeth, and strong Bengali accent infuriated them. Despite winning the National Award for his first film, Mrigayaa (1976), the actor was frequently seen in films that were at best B-grade, earning him the nickname "Gareebon ka Amitabh."

Hindi Film heroes were often descended from royalty until the 1970s and 1980s, when Mithun defied the system. Other than being close to Bachchan, he found another way to get famous. Referred to as Mithun da, the king of B-grade films such as Gunda, he was adored by working-class proletariat men. Still, he desired to be well-liked by others. He said, “I am a pioneer, you know, I appeared on the stage with disco dancing and karate, but after some time, I wanted to have all sorts of spectators.”

Mithun Chakraborty has performed in over 300 films and juggled Bengali and Hindi cinema over the course of nearly five decades. He has further acted in films in Bhojpuri, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. For the films Mrigayaa (1976), Tahader Katha (1992), and Swami Vivekananda (1998), he has received three National Awards and two Filmfare Awards. As Krishnan Iyer, MA, he stole the show in Agneepath, even though he had a supporting part to Amitabh's. Despite having a life tale fit for a biopic, Mithun is opposed to having one created. Because of its tragic themes, he believes the audience may be discouraged and their hearts broken.

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Chakraborty last appeared in The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri.  

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Credit- Koimoi