When Mithun Chakraborty Said, “My Staff Made More Money Than Me” Despite Earning A National Award & Recalled A Director Insulting Him, “If I Became A Hero, He Will Leave The Industry”

Mithun Chakraborty has had a prolific career spanning several decades and is celebrated for his versatility as an actor. He made his debut in Bollywood with the film Mrigayaa (1976), which earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. He soon became a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his dynamic performances in a variety of roles, including action, drama, and dance-oriented films.

Even after receiving a National Film Award, the veteran faced ongoing financial challenges. He revealed an instance during the filming of the 1979 Basu Chatterjee film ‘Prem Vivah’ when his make-up man and hairdresser earned more than he did. During this period, Mithun relied on public transportation, commuting to the film set in a BEST bus, as he did not own a car and lived as a paying guest.

During a conversation with ETC Bollywood, Mithun Chakraborty said, “My staff made more money than me. I got Rs 5000 for the film, and my staff almost made Rs 7500-8000. At that time, Rs 5000 was like Rs 5 crore for me. I used to live as a paying guest, which cost Rs 75 per month. I used to have one trouser and two shirts. I somehow managed to get two shoes.” Mithun shared that he somehow made it work by cutting down his expenses as much as he could.”