Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty recently opened up about the harsh prejudices he faced early in his career due to his skin colour. The acclaimed actor was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony, held at Vigyan Bhawan yesterday. Presented by President Droupadi Murmu, the award is the highest recognition in Indian cinema, celebrating a lifetime of contributions to the industry.
During his acceptance speech, Mithun recalled the difficult journey he faced in Bollywood. "Many told me that dark-skinned actors wouldn't survive in Bollywood. I prayed to God, 'Could you change my colour?' But eventually accepted that I couldn't alter my complexion.
Instead, I focused on my dancing skills, determined to become so remarkable that audiences would overlook my skin colour. That's how I transformed into the 'sexy, dusky Bengali babu'," he conveyed. The actor also shared some pivotal moments of his career, including the reality check he received after winning his first National Award.
"I thought I had become Al Pacino. I began to treat producers dismissively. But reality hit when a producer kicked me out of his office.
That day, I realised I was not Al Pacino, and it marked the end of my delusions," Mithun recounted candidly. Despite his struggles, Mithun emphasised that his achievements were all earned through sheer perseverance. "I received nothing on a platter, and everything I earned was through hard work.
I often qu.