NEW DELHI: Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, star of films such as Mrigayaa, Surakshaa, Disco Dancer, and Dance Dance, was on Monday named recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the government's highest recognition in the field of cinema.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw made the announcement on X.
"Mithun Da's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honoured to announce that the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to award legendary actor, Sh.Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his iconic contribution to Indian Cinema," the minister said in the post.
The award will be presented to Chakraborty at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024, Vaishnaw said.
Chakraborty, 74, made his acting debut with Mrinal Sen's 1976 film "Mrigayaa", for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor.
He is also known for films such as Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki and Commando.
PM Modi congratulates Mithun Chakraborty
Expressing delight at veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty being conferred with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded him as a cultural icon.
In a post on X, Modi said, "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," he said.