'Kala Rang Nahi...': Mithun Opens Up About The Struggle Of Being A Dark-Skinned Actor In Bollywood

Film veteran and politician Mithun Chakraborty received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest recognition in the field of Indian Cinema today, October 8. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. After accepting the award, he gave a speech where he reflected on his journey and opened up about his struggles in the film industry.

Mithun Chakraborty on being humiliated in the film industry

Mithun Chakraborty, who is also the recipient of Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award by the government of India, mentioned how he was disrespected in the film industry. He said, “Film industry mein kaala rang nahi chalega. Jitna adman ho skate tha, hua”.

However, the actor later decided to look beyond his skin colour and focus on polishing his dancing skills, which now he is lovingly called as ‘Disco Dancer’. The veteran actor said, “I decided to dance then. I wanted people to look at my feet, not at my face or my skin colour. Sab filmon me pairon se dance kiya, aur log mere rang ko bhul gaye”. Chakraborty referred to his own journey and told young people "if I can do it, anybody can do it."

He concluded his speech by telling everyone something that he often says: "Khud so jana lekin apne sapno ko mat sone dena”.

Mithun Chakraborty’s journey in film industry

Mithun Chakraborty is fondly referred to as Mithun Da by his fans. He made his film debut in 1976 with Mrigayaa, which was loved by the audience for his versatile acting skills. His portrayal of Santhal rebel earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor in his debut film. He later received two additional National Film Awards for his performances in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Viveknanda (1998).

In Bollywood, he last appeared in Vivek Agnihotri’s critically acclaimed film The Kashmir Files in 2022.