Mithun Chakraborty named Cabinet-rank Bengal govt advisor; veteran actor to take charge soon

Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty on Wednesday was appointed as an Advisor to the West Bengal government.

The Disco Dancer actor will now hold the rank of a Cabinet Minister in the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, which comes as cinema, heritage, and other aspects of Bengali culture have become a key focus for the Suvendu Adhikari-led government.

The CM made the announcement amid an event linked to the centenary celebrations of legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar, and his contributions to Indian cinema.

The celebrations, which began on September 3—Uttam Kumar’s 100th birth anniversary—will continue well into into December, when the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival takes place, which will offer another opportunity to revisit the legendary actor's work and introduce his films to a younger audience.

Local media reports say Chakraborty is currently in Alipurduar for a film shoot, from where he thanked CM Adhikari for the opportunity.

Signed by Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal, the West Bengal government notification stated that the appointment is effective immediately, and will remain in effect until further orders.

Over a career spanning five decades, Chakraborty has acted in more than 350 films in various Indian languages, such as Mrigayaa, his first film, Surakshaa, which established his stardom in the 80s, Disco Dancer, his most famous film, Pyar Jhukta Nahin, Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki and Commando, among others.

What's more significant is that Chakraborty's advice had also been sought for Uttam Kumar's centenary celebrations.

In fact, the centenary celebrations are one among many areas, including tourism, that he is already advising the Suvendu Adhikari government on.