Mithun Chakraborty Says He Got Arrogant After Winning National Award: 'I Started Acting Like Al Pacino'

Mithun Chakraborty, who was recently honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, opened up about his journey in the film industry. While reflecting on the honour, he recalled his early struggles, including sleeping on the footpaths of Mumbai. Mithun also shared that after winning the National Award for his debut film Mrigayaa, he became arrogant. However, his experiences taught him the importance of staying grounded, even as his career took off.

Mithun Chakraborty reflected on his tough early days, sharing that the journey was extremely difficult. He said that people have suggested he write a biography, but he believes his story might discourage rather than inspire. He said, “Yeh safar bahut katheen tha. Many tell me why I don’t make a biography. Main kehta hoon nahi kyunki meri story logo ko inspire nahi karega, unko morally down kar dega. Jo young ladke struggle karte hai unka himmat tod dega. It’s so hard, so traumatic, so painful. I came from a blind lane in Kolkata and Bombay was also so hard. Some day I wouldn’t get food and I would sometimes sleep on footpaths. (This journey was very difficult. Many people ask me why I don’t write a biography. I say no because my story won’t inspire people, it will bring them down morally. It would break the spirits of young boys who are struggling).”

He added, “For that boy to win India’s biggest award in films, I still can’t digest it. Abhi tak hosh sambhala nah (I am still in daze). Such a big award. Main khushi se hass bhi nahi sakta, khushi se ro bhi nahi sakta. (I am totally stunned and I am not out of it yet).”

Mithun Chakraborty shared how winning the National Award early in his career led to arrogance. He said that after winning the prestigious award, he started acting like he’s the greatest actor. He recalled, “After Mrigayaa, I got my first National Award. Jo hota hai, I started acting like Al Pacino. Aisa lag raha tha that I am the greatest actor. Mera attitude change ho gaya toh producer ne dekh ke bola ‘get out.’ (As it happens, I started acting like Al Pacino. It felt like I was the greatest actor. My attitude changed, so the producer saw this and said, ‘get out’). Then I realised my mistake.”