- By Srishti Pandey
- Wed, 02 Oct 2024 08:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mithun Chakraborty recently received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema, sparking a wave of nostalgia among those who worked with him. B. Subhash, the director of Disco Dancer, shared an exclusive recollection of Chakraborty’s journey and their close bond during a time of uncertainty for the actor.
In a recent interview with News18, Subhash expressed his delight over Chakraborty's achievement, stating, “When I saw the national media reporting on the award, it felt like our film had won this huge honour. I reached out to him, and he responded with heartfelt gratitude for everything I’ve done for him.”
Reflecting on their early days together, Subhash remembered casting Chakraborty in Taqdeer Ka Badshah, despite some reluctance from the producer. “I believed Mithun was different; his unique face and personality stood out. During the shoot, he confided in me, nearly in tears, expressing his worries about his struggling career,” he shared.
Subhash recalled a poignant moment when he noticed Chakraborty looking troubled. “He told me that despite his hard work, success was elusive. I assured him I had a script that could elevate his career—Disco Dancer.” This project marked a turning point in Chakraborty’s life. “When I mentioned the title, I saw a spark in his eyes,” Subhash reminisced. “It was a time when both of us were struggling. I remember a newspaper article announcing our collaboration on Disco Dancer, which created a buzz across the nation.”
Despite its initial struggles at the box office, Disco Dancer eventually gained immense popularity, particularly after its screening at the Moscow Film Festival, where it was embraced by audiences. Subhash proudly noted that several of Chakraborty's films, including Disco Dancer, are often mentioned in discussions about his recent award. In a touching gesture at a recent event honouring composer Bappi Lahiri, Chakraborty publicly acknowledged Subhash’s role in his success. “He stood up, touched my feet, and expressed that whatever he is today is because of me,” Subhash recounted with emotion.