Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, known for his iconic roles in films like "Mrigayaa," "Surakshaa," "Disco Dancer," and "Dance Dance," has been awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest cinematic honor. The announcement was made on Monday by Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on X.

Chakraborty's recognition comes just months after he was bestowed with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.

"Mithun Da's remarkable cinematic journey inspires generations! Honoured to announce that the Dadasaheb Phalke Selection Jury has decided to award legendary actor, Sh. Mithun Chakraborty Ji for his iconic contribution to Indian Cinema," Minister Vaishnaw stated in his post.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, presented annually, recognizes an individual's outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Chakraborty will receive the award at the 70th National Film Awards ceremony on October 8, 2024.

A three-member jury, comprising former Dadasaheb awardee Asha Parekh, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, and filmmaker Vipul Amrutlal Shah, unanimously selected Chakraborty for the prestigious honor.

Chakraborty, 74, expressed his happiness about the award, stating, "We all are feeling very proud. He is in Kolkata, I just spoke to him. He is a self-made superstar and a great citizen. This was long overdue but I am so proud that he is finally being awarded with this honour," said his son, Namashi Chakraborty, in a phone call from Los Angeles.

The alumnus of Pune's Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) has predominantly worked in Hindi and Bengali cinema. He made his acting debut in 1976 with Mrinal Sen's "Mrigayaa," which earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. He went on to win two more National Awards for "Tahader Katha" (Best Actor) in 1992 and "Swami Vivekananda" (Best Supporting Actor) in 1998.

Chakraborty's unique dancing style catapulted him to stardom with the 1982 blockbuster "Disco Dancer," which is widely credited for ushering in the era of disco dancing in India. The film's chartbusters, "I Am A Disco Dancer" and "Yaad Aa Raha Hai," became anthems.

He continued to deliver hits like "Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye," "Hum Se Hai Zamana," "Pasand Apni Apni," "Ghar Ek Mandir," "Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki," and "Commando." His role in the 1990 film "Agneepath," starring Amitabh Bachchan, also garnered widespread acclaim.

A former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, Chakraborty joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before the 2021 West Bengal Legislative Assembly election. He served as the head judge or 'grandmaster' on the popular dance reality series "Dance India Dance" from 2009 to 2018.

Waheeda Rehman was the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023.