Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty was conferred with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by President Droupadi Murmu on Monday. The prestigious ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah among the dignitaries present.
Fondly known as Mithun Da by his fans, Chakraborty’s illustrious career spans decades. He made his film debut in ‘Mrigayaa’ in 1976 and has since showcased his versatility with memorable performances in numerous films. His portrayal of a Santhal rebel in ‘Mrigayaa’ earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in his very first film. He went on to win two more National Film Awards for his roles in ‘Tahader Katha’ (1992) and ‘Swami Vivekananda’ (1998).
Beyond acting, Mithun Da has also left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. He is known for his chartbuster dance tracks, including ‘I Am a Disco Dancer,’ ‘Jimmy Jimmy,’ and ‘Super Dancer,’ which continue to resonate with audiences.
In recent years, Chakraborty appeared in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically acclaimed film ‘The Kashmir Files.’ He joins a distinguished list of Padma awardees from the field of arts, including Chiranjeevi, Vyjayanthimala, Usha Uthup, and Vijayakanth.
The Padma Awards, instituted in 1954, recognize exceptional and distinguished service in various fields. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day and are conferred on the recommendations of a committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.
