This Veteran Actor, Despite Giving India's Biggest Overseas Hit, Is Not Called A Superstar

The term superstar in Bollywood is often subjective, with varying opinions on who truly deserves the title. In the current landscape, extensive PR efforts tend to label almost every successful actor as a superstar. However, a stark contrast existed in the past when the term was exclusively reserved for a select few. One notable actor who stands out is Mithun Chakraborty.

Reports indicate that Mithun embarked on his cinematic journey in the 1970s with Mrigayaa, a significant hit that earned him the National Award. By the 1980s, he had endeared himself to audiences with iconic films like Disco Dancer and a string of solo and multi-starrer successes. Remarkably, Mithun boasts a filmography of 270 Bollywood movies, out of which 51 achieved box office success, including three blockbusters. Despite this impressive track record, he has never been officially bestowed with the coveted title of ‘superstar.’

During his career, Mithun Chakraborty surpassed the hit count of many celebrated actors, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, and contemporary stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar. Notably, Mithun’s hit count exceeds that of all the mentioned actors except Amitabh Bachchan. Rajesh Khanna had 42 hits, Akshay Kumar had 39, Salman Khan had 38, and Shah Rukh Khan had 34. However, considering Mithun’s significantly higher film count, his hit-to-film ratio is a bit downwards.

Mithun Chakraborty holds the distinction of pioneering the 100-crore club with the blockbuster Disco Dancer. This film not only achieved tremendous success in India, grossing over Rs 6 crore in the early ’80s but also made waves internationally. Upon its release in the Soviet Union, Disco Dancer shattered earning records, grossing over Rs 94 crore, with a worldwide total surpassing Rs 101 crore. This record remained unbroken for over a decade until Salman Khan’s Hum Aapke Hain Koun. Even when adjusted for inflation, Disco Dancer retains its status as the highest-grossing Indian film overseas, surpassing modern hits like Dangal and Secret Superstar.

While Mithun Chakraborty may not hold the official title of a superstar, his impact on Indian cinema and international recognition remains unparalleled. With a net worth of $50 million (approximately 400 crore Indian rupees), the actor continues to actively contribute to the film industry alongside his political endeavours.