By Jagmohan Singh Barhok
तुमसे मिलकर ना जाने क्यों
और भी कुछ याद आता है
याद आता है
आज का अपना प्यार नहीं है
जनमों का ये नाता है
Mithun Chakraborty, who tasted critical acclaim in the early stage of his film career with Mrinal Sen’s “Mrigayaa” (1976) to win the Best Actor National Award, has also been a sensation in Soviet Union like the late Raj Kapoor .The actor later proved his histrionics in “Pyaar Jhukta Nahin” (1985) also starring Padmini Kolhapure, Danny Denzongpa & Bindu to justify his claim of being a successful & talented actor. The film received appreciation both from the viewers and the critics alike with a a touching number- “Tumse Milkar Na Jane Kyoon” rendered by Lata Mangeshkar- Shabbir Kumar. The film was produced by K.C. Bokadia & directed by Vijay Sadanah. His earlier hit was “Disco Dancer”. It was the first Indian film to gross 100 crore .The film catapulted him to a star overnight. It also featured Kim, Rajesh Khanna, Om Shivpuri & Gita Siddharth with music score by Bappi Lahiri who later became one of the prominent music directors.
Interestingly, the actor featured in 19 films in 1989 setting a Limca Book Record, The actor who had more flops than hits, let alone jubilees, was least bothered. Indeed, held the fort ever so confidently. There was neither any drop in his popularity nor in his price as an actor.
The actor enjoyed the reputation of a good samaritan or the legendary Robin Hood, just as he enjoyed the reputation of a Don Juan or Casanova. His love affairs have been legion, as have been controversies and scandals surrounding him. He had a long affair with Ranjeeta, the “Laila” of film “Laila Majnu”.The film which had Rishi Kapoor in the lead remained her best friend until she tied the nuptial knot. Mithun had ditched her by marrying Yogita Bali. But his much publicized, rumored marriage with Sri Devi (reportedly kept a guarded secret) raged in the media furiously, for quite a long time, despite their public denials.
The actor is known to have been more friendly with young & nubile things. He is ever willing to help the “damsel in distress’. Meenakshi Seshadri, the once jinxed actress is one who has been recipient of his benevolence. He co-starred with her in many films including “Pyar Ka karz”, “Main Balwaan” (1986) , “Parivaar” (1987) “Bees Saal Baad” (1989) & “Gangaa Jamuna Saraswati ” when she was passing through her lean days. He co-starred Amla in “Dost” when the actress was in troubled waters. Even he agreed to have Mandakini his co-star in many films. Shilpa Shirodkar was one of her co- stars in her first film “Bhrashtachar” (1989),though Rekha had a more meatier role in the film. He was also cast in the lead opposite Shilpa in “Trinetra” (1991)
The actor displayed his dancing talent in Disco dancer”, his physical prowess in “Ashanti” in which he rescued three damsles in distress-Zeena, Shabana & Parveen Babi and his romantic dedication with Madhuri in “Prem pratigya”. The actor worked with all topnotch male & female stars of Bollywood. In “Ganga Jamuna Saraswati”, he co -starred Amitabh, Jaya Prada & Meenakshi Sheshadhri. He enjoys a unique distinction of being the only star popular both in the North & in the South.
