MITHUN

He didn’t need to massage a hero’s feet nor bargain for money, but Mithun Chakraborty’s hurdles were far more than that of Chinu Nandi’s. Even after becoming a star, insecurities haven’t left him. Read on...

Getting under the skin of Chinu Nandi has brought you rave reviews...
That’s an honour for any actor! While watching Shukno Lanka, the audience fell in love with Chinu Nandi. They are appreciating the junior artiste and not me, as they could relate to Chinu Nandi’s dreams, joys and sorrows! I have only put my heart and soul into the character. But all credit goes to Chinu Nandi!

The buzz doing the rounds is that you are eyeing a National Award with this film...
National Award, or for that matter any award, is not on my mind when I perform. It feels great if someone’s work is appreciated and an award is conferred upon the same. But, for me, the audience’s appreciation matters most. Chumki (Debasree Roy) burst into tears after watching the film. She asked me, ‘Roj shooting korte giye eto Chinu Nandi der dekhi, tui ki kore korli?’ Usha Uthup, Mamata Shankar, Rachna and many others had their voice choked with emotion when they called me up about my performance! Isn’t that more than an award for any artiste?

You were in tears at the premiere...
The last scene, where Chinu Nandi shows his wife the hoarding of his film, is really touching. It made me nostalgic. It reminded me of the day when the review of Suraksha mentioned: A star is born! That day too, I cried in the same way. Both Chinu Nandi and I never lost hope in our lives.

Would you call it your best performance till date?
I can’t comment on that. Each film and each performance has its own place in my heart. But surely, SL is one of those films that will make my children proud, even 20 years hence.

So, your family has watched the film...
Yes. My children said, they are proud of me! My wife couldn’t hold back her tears as she emphasised how with each film she discovers a new Mithun Chakraborty!

Coming back to the film, who do you think excelled in SL?
Every actor in the film has done his/her best. Benu (Sabyasachi Chakrabarty) has given an incredible performance. He has shown great control. That was superb! Debasree had few dialogues, but the way she portrayed her loneliness and longing to be with her husband, deserves a special mention. Angana, Kunal, Shaheb and Biswanath — each was brilliant in his own way.

The film constantly moves back and forth in time. Wasn’t it difficult keeping pace?
Director Gaurav Pandey has dealt with it in a mature way. Every detail was deftly dealt with. Chinu Nandi eats rice and dal in the past, while there’s a piece of fish on his plate later on. Then, he buys tickets while travelling in a tram, which he would earlier consciously avoid. The spot boy, who would be rude with Chinu Nandi, offers him a chair and even tea in the climax.

There is an element of sarcasm in Chinu Nandi’s character. Did your past help you portray the character better?
Definitely, my past has helped me portray the character more realistically. But frankly, I had faced more humiliation than Chinu Nandi. People would tell me upfront: ‘E kalia, tu kya hero banega? Chal chal, hat. Shakal dekhi hai apni?’ When I came into the industry, one had to be fair-complexioned. The concept of ‘tall, dark and handsome’ was yet to creep in. But these barbs never stopped me from dreaming big.

But did you have to massage a hero’s feet like Chinu Nandi did in the film?
Kono heror hoyto pa tipey dite hoi ni, but yes, at the beginning of my career, I was signed on for a film and then shown the door. The director even went a step further to say, ‘if he becomes a hero, I’ll leave direction’. Then tables turned and years later, he had to cast me in his film and it also became a hit! I never said a word to him, but he would live in constant fear (laughs)!

And what about remuneration? Did you have to bargain for the same?
My first remuneration was only Rs 600! But I never bargained for money. I was worried about losing work.

How difficult was it for you to shed the star aura and be in Chinu Nandi’s shoes?
It was difficult. To pull myself down to ground level was not easy! But I’m a nagging actor. I keep throwing questions at my director till the time I am convinced. And once convinced, I don’t speak, I perform.

Would you manage if you are stripped off your star status now?
(After a pregnant pause) Aar parbo na....

Does that make you insecure?
Yes, Mithun is insecure. Earlier, I was insecure about my career as I had to overcome hurdles at every step, now my insecurities revolve around my children. As a father, I want them to find their foothold.

And what about the Chinu Nandis of studio para?
I think the Chinu Nandis, who had lost hope, will start dreaming again! I want to convey them a message — dream honestly and you will be sure to reach your goal. I’m perhaps the biggest example of this. Amrish Puri became a star villain when he was 50 years old!

You are also the president of Junior Artist Association in Bollywood. How do you ensure their welfare?
Ask them, why me? I am the chairman of the Labour Union for the past 16 years in Mumbai. The union comprises spot boys, electricians, carpenters etc. I started the union with a budget of
Rs 47,000 and now it’s around 30 crores. The union looks after the medical facilities and child welfare of the members. I’m too small to ensure anything, it’s all destined!