Mon Sep 30 19:20:09 UTC 2024: ## Mithun Chakraborty Awarded Prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award

**New Delhi:** Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, known for popularizing disco dance in Hindi cinema, has been awarded the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his exceptional contribution to the film industry. The announcement was made by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the actor on Twitter, stating, “Delighted that Shri Mithun Chakraborty has been conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. He is a cultural icon and has been admired for his versatility across generations. Congratulations and best wishes to him.”

The award, considered the highest honor in Indian cinema, has been long overdue, according to Dilip Jaiswal, the BJP President of Bihar. “We have admired him since our student days,” Jaiswal said, “Mithun Chakraborty should have received this award much earlier; it was long overdue. But at least I am grateful to God that he has received it now.”

Reacting to the news in Kolkata, Mithun Chakraborty expressed his gratitude and reminisced about his humble beginnings. “I don’t have words to describe how I feel,” he said, “This moment has brought back memories of the past. I came to Mumbai from Kolkata with nothing. There were times I didn’t have food and slept in parks… After all that, to receive this honor… I am speechless. I can only say that I dedicate this award to my family and my fans worldwide.”

The award, named after the pioneer of Indian cinema Dadasaheb Phalke, recognizes lifetime achievement in the film industry.

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