Mithun Chakraborty is a name synonymous with versatility, resilience, and an extraordinary journey in Indian cinema. However, even the most grounded individuals sometimes face moments where success alters their perspective. Mithun recently confessed that after winning his first National Award for his debut film Mrigayaa (1976), directed by legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen, he experienced a phase of arrogance. This admission was a rare glimpse into the psyche of a star who had to battle many odds to achieve stardom, and his story serves as a reminder. Mithun Chakraborty’s journey in the film industry began with Mrigayaa, a poignant film directed by Mrinal Sen that explored the struggles of tribal people against British rule. Mithun’s performance was widely praised, and the role won him the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor. For an actor who had previously struggled to even get a foot in the door in Bollywood, this recognition was monumental. It signified the beginning of a promising career, but with that success came personal challenges. After winning the National Award, Mithun admitted that he let the fame get to his head. The sudden recognition filled him with a sense of invincibility. In his own words, Mithun started behaving “like Al Pacino,” imitating the legendary Hollywood star and adopting a new persona that was far removed from the grounded, hardworking individual he had been. He confessed that his attitude, inflated by this early success, caused him to become arrogant, and this arrogance soon had consequences. In a candid revelation, Mithun recounted an incident where a film producer, unimpressed with his newfound attitude, asked him to “get out.” This was a moment of reckoning for the actor. Despite his award-winning performance in Mrigayaa, the producer’s blunt words cut deep. Mithun realized that his arrogance was not just a personal flaw but a professional liability. This incident served as a humbling experience. The producer’s harsh rejection was a pivotal moment that forced Mithun to reassess his behavior. He recognized that while talent and recognition are important, they mean little if one loses their humility. The entertainment industry is unforgiving, and even the most celebrated actors can face rejection if they fail to respect the work and the people around them. Mithun’s rise to stardom was not an overnight success. He had faced significant challenges before Mrigayaa. After moving to Mumbai, Mithun struggled to find acting roles. He came from a modest background and had no connections in the industry, which made breaking into Bollywood even more difficult. There were days when he lived in poverty, sleeping on the streets or in dingy accommodations, waiting for his big break. Winning the National Award was, in many ways, the culmination of years of hard work, struggle, and determination. It was understandable that such an achievement could inflate an individual’s ego, especially when the journey had been so tough. However, Mithun soon realized that this success was only a step in a much longer career, and arrogance would not sustain him in the competitive world of cinema.
Mithun Chakraborty confesses he became arrogant after winning National Award for ‘Mrigayaa’: ‘Producer ne bola ‘get out’
The producer’s harsh rebuke acted as a catalyst for change in Mithun’s life. After this experience, Mithun consciously worked on keeping his feet on the ground, no matter how successful he became. He started approaching his work with more sincerity and dedication, realizing that in the film industry, every project could either make or break an actor’s career. It was not enough to win an award or deliver a critically acclaimed performance; consistency, humility, and a professional attitude were key to long-term success. Mithun’s transformation from a rising star with an inflated ego to a seasoned actor with a grounded attitude is a testament to his resilience and ability to learn from his mistakes. He didn’t allow his early success to define him, but rather used the rejection and criticism as fuel to become a better version of himself. After his humbling experience, Mithun Chakraborty went on to become one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. His versatility as an actor allowed him to transition from art-house films like Mrigayaa to commercial hits such as Disco Dancer (1982), which became a cultural phenomenon. His dancing skills, charismatic screen presence, and ability to adapt to different genres made him a favorite among audiences. Mithun never shied away from taking risks. He was one of the few actors who balanced art-house cinema with commercial blockbusters. His roles in films like Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998) showcased his acting prowess, while his commercial successes in films like Dance Dance (1987) and Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985) demonstrated his star power. Through it all, Mithun remained committed to staying grounded. He credits his early experience of rejection and arrogance as a major reason for his long-lasting success. Unlike many stars who fade away after a few hits, Mithun has managed to remain relevant for decades. His ability to adapt to changing trends in the industry and his willingness to constantly evolve as an actor set him apart. In various interviews, Mithun has spoken about the importance of staying humble, no matter how successful one becomes. He encourages younger actors to focus on their craft and avoid letting fame get to their heads. His own journey—from sleeping on the streets of Mumbai to becoming one of India’s most celebrated actors—is a story of perseverance, humility, and continuous learning. Mithun Chakraborty’s confession about his arrogance after winning the National Award for Mrigayaa is a poignant reflection of the highs and lows that come with stardom. While success can elevate one’s career, it also has the potential to cloud judgment and inflate egos. Mithun’s ability to recognize his arrogance, learn from it, and evolve into a more grounded and dedicated professional is what makes him not just a great actor, but a true icon of Indian cinema. His story is an inspiring reminder that while talent can bring you recognition, it is humility and hard work that will sustain you .