Bollywood superstar, worth Rs 400 crore, once slept on footpaths, was disrespected for his skin colour. Today, he owns over 16 bungalows

Time of India

a day ago

Mithun Chakraborty
, widely celebrated as
Bollywood
's
Disco Dancer
, has lived a life filled with dramatic turns, embracing triumphs and hardships with equal spirit. Born as Gouranga Chakraborty on July 16, 1950, he grew up in a modest lower middle-class household in Bengal. From the earliest years, financial challenges defined much of his family's life. Despite such limitations, he managed to study at Kolkata's respected Scottish Church College, showing resilience and ambition that would later become central to his persona.
Connection to the Naxalite Movement
During the volatile political climate of the 1960s, the young Chakraborty found himself influenced by revolutionary ideas. Drawn into the
Naxalite movement
, he actively participated in it for a period. According to the actor himself, as shared in an interview with journalist Ali Peter John, his association was so strong that many in Kolkata recognized his close ties with Charu Mazumdar, the radical leader of the Naxalites. However, a personal tragedy changed his course. After his brother suffered a severe accident, he made the decision to distance himself from extremist politics. Even though he left the movement long before entering films, the label of being a former Naxalite continued to shadow him. He recalled that whether he was at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune or later in Mumbai, people often judged him through that lens.
The Turning Point After Tragedy
The death of his brother left Mithun devastated, leading him to vanish from public view for some time. His reemergence came with a renewed sense of direction when he gained admission into FTII, India's premier film institute, where he trained professionally in acting. This opportunity gave him the tools to transform his passion into a career.
Days at FTII and Early Struggles
Life at FTII was a mix of learning and tough experiences. Actor Shakti Kapoor, who was a junior to Mithun at the institute, once recounted on the Timeout with Ankit podcast that Mithun was notorious for ragging newcomers. Kapoor remembered being teased so harshly—his hair was cut, he was locked in a room, and forced to swim numerous laps—that he cried. Despite such incidents, Chakraborty left a mark as a strong presence on campus.
Struggling for Survival in Mumbai
After completing his training, Mithun set out for Mumbai with dreams of making it big in Hindi cinema. The journey was far from easy. Before receiving his first break, he endured extreme poverty. He has spoken on the reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li'l Champs about the nights when he slept hungry, wept silently, and even spent days on the city's footpaths without knowing where the next meal would come from. These hardships reflected the depth of his struggle, a reality far removed from the glamour of the industry he aspired to join.
A Remarkable Debut with Mrinal Sen
Mithun's perseverance eventually paid off when he made his debut with Mrigayaa, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mrinal Sen. The film not only introduced him to Bollywood but also earned him the
National Award
for Best Actor. For many actors, such an honor comes after years of work, but Mithun achieved it in his very first film. Yet, this early recognition came with its own challenges. In an interview with India Today, he admitted that the success inflated his ego. Feeling like he was the next Al Pacino, his arrogance cost him work, as producers quickly dismissed him for his attitude. This period taught him humility and reminded him that raw talent needed discipline and grounding.
Facing Bias in the Industry
Alongside his personal missteps, Mithun also encountered prejudice because of his darker complexion. The actor revealed that he lost out on significant projects simply because of his skin tone. He has openly spoken about the disrespect he endured, noting how the industry often sidelined him. Nevertheless, his resilience and ability to connect with ordinary people transformed him into what he proudly called the 'common man's hero.' His rise showed that a superstar could emerge from modest roots and still represent millions who saw themselves in him.
The Rags-to-Riches Transformation
Despite constant hurdles, Mithun kept working in smaller projects and low-budget films until he eventually carved out his place in mainstream cinema. His persona as a dancing sensation and relatable hero won hearts across India, especially during the late 1970s and 1980s. Movies like Disco Dancer cemented his popularity, and he became a cultural icon whose journey mirrored the aspirations of the masses. His success was not just about fame but about rewriting the possibilities for actors who did not fit the conventional image of stardom.
Wealth and Lifestyle in the Later Years
As his career flourished, Mithun also built an enviable fortune. According to a report from
MSN.com
, his net worth is estimated at around Rs 400 crore. Over the years, he has invested in numerous luxurious properties across India. These include lavish homes in Madh Island and Ooty, along with an expansive farmhouse near Mumbai. Additionally, he owns a large number of bungalows and cottages—sixteen in Masinagudi and eighteen in Mysore—reflecting the grandeur he achieved after years of hardship.