Mithun Chakraborty, born on June 16, 1950, in Kolkata, India, comes from a Bengali Hindu family. His parents are Basanta Kumar Chakraborty and Shanti Rani Chakraborty.

Mithun’s educational journey includes studies at Oriental Seminary and earning a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Scottish Church College, Kolkata. He later pursued his passion for the film industry, graduating from the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Before venturing into films, Mithun was associated with the Naxalite movement. However, a tragic incident—his only brother’s accidental electrocution—prompted him to reconsider his path. Despite the potential risks to his life, he chose to leave the Naxalite movement and returned to his family.

During his Naxalite days, Mithun formed a friendship with Ravi Ranjan, also known as “Bhaa” among friends for his persuasive skills and oratory prowess. This marked a pivotal moment in Mithun’s life, transitioning from activism to pursuing a career in the film industry.

Film career

Debut and stardom (1976–1990)

Mithun Chakraborty entered Bollywood with Mrinal Sen’s acclaimed film “Mrigayaa” (1976), earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Initially, he took on minor roles in films like “Do Anjaane” (1976) and “Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan” (1978). However, his breakthrough came with the success of “Mera Rakshak” (1978).

Supported by co-star Debashree Roy, Chakraborty rose to stardom in the late 1970s, starring in hits like “Surakshaa” (1979) and collaborating with director Deepak Bahry on successful films such as “Tarana” (1979), “Humse Badhkar Kaun,” “Hum Se Hai Zamana,” and “Woh Jo Hasina” in the 1980s.

The 1980s marked Mithun’s impact on Hindi cinema, featuring in over 110 releases across genres like action, family drama, romance, and comedy. Notable films include “Disco Dancer” (1982), a musical that elevated him to superstardom and established him as a dancing icon. His association with Babbar Subhash continued with hits like “Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki” (1984) and “Dance Dance” (1987).

Chakraborty’s 1985 blockbuster “Pyar Jhukta Nahin” solidified his superstar status. He excelled in family dramas like “Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye” (1983), “Ghar Ek Mandir” (1984), “Swarag Se Sunder” (1986), and “Pyaar Ka Mandir” (1988), along with successful comedies and action films.

In addition to his Bollywood success, Chakraborty made a mark in Bengali cinema, delivering blockbusters like “Kalankini Kankabati” (1981), “Troyee” (1982), and “Anyay Abichar” (1985). His unparalleled release frequency occasionally impacted his films’ business, as seen in 1989, with a record 19 films.

Chakraborty’s versatile career, from art house films to blockbusters, reflects his enduring influence in Indian cinema.

Return to Bengali cinema and critical acclaim for character roles (1990–1999)

During the 1990s, Mithun Chakraborty continued his prolific career with over 100 film releases. Starting with “Agneepath,” where he won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor, he appeared in diverse films like “Shandaar,” “Gunahon Ka Devta,” “Pyar Ka Devta,” “Trinetra,” and “Mere Sajana Saath Nibhana.”

In 1992, his Bengali film “Tahader Katha” earned him a second National Film Award for Best Actor. Taking a break, Chakraborty relocated his family to Ooty, constructing The Monarch Hotel. He devised a unique strategy, offering discount rates to film crews staying at his hotel, leading to a surge in low-budget productions shot in Ooty and nearby locations.

Films like “Dalaal,” “Phool Aur Angaar,” “Ravan Raaj: A True Story,” and “Shapath” followed, establishing a market for economical film production. “Jallad” earned him accolades, winning the Filmfare Best Villain Award and Star Screen Award for Best Villain in 1995.

Despite rejecting Mani Ratnam’s Tamil film “Iruvar” due to the need to crop his hair, affecting other film commitments, Chakraborty maintained his status with a third National Award in 1998 for Best Supporting Actor in “Swami Vivekananda.”

However, the overflow of Chakraborty’s releases impacted the industry, with almost 30 films in 1998 and 1999. His tax contributions marked a significant aspect, surpassing all others for five consecutive years from 1995 to 1999.

Transitioning into a successful businessman, Chakraborty operated hotels in various locations. While his Bollywood career took a back seat, he focused more on Bengali films, featuring in Goutam Ghose’s “Gudia” (1999) and Rituparno Ghosh’s “Titli” (2002).

Comeback to Hindi cinema and debut in other cinemas (2000–2019)

Mithun Chakraborty’s ‘Dream Factory’ films continued to captivate audiences. He appeared in Prasanta Bal’s Hindustani Sipahi (2002), a period drama based on Utpal Dutt’s play.

Returning to mainstream Bollywood in 2005 with Elaan, he gained critical acclaim for supporting roles in Guru (2007) and Chingaari (2005). His 2009 film Zor Lagaa Ke…Haiya! won international awards, and Chal Chalein received praise for its bold theme. Phir Kabhi (2009) with Dimple Kapadia won six awards at the Los Angeles Reel Awards.

In 2006, he starred in blockbuster MLA Fatakeshto and its 2007 sequel, Minister Fatakeshto. Collaborating with Buddhadeb Dasgupta, he appeared in Kaalpurush (2008) and later in Shukno Lanka and Target: The Final Mission. His performances in Mrigaya, Tahader Katha, Kaalpurush, and Titli earned him National Film Awards.

Chakraborty ventured into regional cinema with Bhole Shankar, the biggest Bhojpuri film, and the successful Odia film Ae Jugara Krushna Sudama. In Bengali cinema, Handa and Bhonda, Nobel Chor, and Le Halwa Le were hits.

His Bollywood journey included Veer (2010), Golmaal 3 (2010), Housefull 2, OMG – Oh My God!, and Khiladi 786 (2012). His home production Enemmy (2013) featured his son Mimoh Chakraborty, and he starred in Boss (2013) with Akshay Kumar.

Chakraborty’s notable films include Kaanchi… (2014), Kick (2014), Entertainment (2014), and The Tashkent Files (2019). In Telugu, Gopala Gopala (2015) and Bengali film Herogiri (2015) were successful. He made his Kannada debut with The Villain (2018).

In 2017, the science fiction film Jole Jongole and the long-delayed Hason Raja were released. He continued his success in regional cinema with Naxal (Bengali), Ek Nadir Galpo: Tale of a River, and the Kannada film The Villain.

Political career

Chakraborty became a Member of Parliament, nominated by West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the Rajya Sabha in 2014. He resigned on December 26, 2016. Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 7, 2021, he played a role in the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kailash Vijayvargiya present.

Personal life

Mithun Chakraborty’s marital journey began with actress Helena Luke in 1979, but their marriage ended in separation and divorce after just four months. Subsequently, he tied the knot with actress Yogeeta Bali in the same year.

Chakraborty and Yogeeta are parents to four children – Mimoh, Ushmey Chakraborty, Namashi Chakraborty, and an adopted daughter named Dishani Chakraborty. In the 1980s, rumors circulated about a romantic involvement between Chakraborty and actress Sridevi, whom he met on the sets of Jaag Utha Insan. Despite the speculation of marriage, when Chakraborty chose to remain with his wife Yogeeta Bali, the alleged romance with Sridevi came to an end.

Awards and honours

Mithun Chakraborty has received several awards and honors for his contributions to the Indian film industry. Here are some notable accolades:

1. National Film Awards:
   • Best Actor for “Mrigayaa” (1976).
   • Best Actor for “Tahader Katha” (1992).
   • Best Supporting Actor for “Swami Vivekananda” (1998).
2. Filmfare Awards:
   • Best Supporting Actor for “Agneepath” (1991).
3. Other Awards:
   • Filmfare Best Villain Award and Star Screen Award for Best Villain for “Jallad” (1995).
   • He holds the record for the highest number of releases as the lead actor in a single year, as per the Limca Book of Records.
4. Political Recognition:
   • Nominated as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and joined the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) in 2014.
   • Joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2021.
5. Business Ventures:
   • Successful entrepreneur with interests in the hospitality sector, owning The Monarch Hotel.
   • Operates hotels in various locations, including Masinagudi, Ooty, Mysore, Siliguri, and Kolkata.

Mithun Chakraborty’s multifaceted career, spanning acting, entrepreneurship, and politics, has earned him recognition and honors across different domains.