Mithun Chakraborty And How He Became Immortal As 'Jimmy' Aka 'Disco Dancer' In Russia

Mithun Chakraborty has been a popular name in the Indian film industry for over four decades and has delivered several blockbuster movies in his career. The veteran actor found success with his debut movie 'Mrigayaa' in 1976 and won the National Film Award for Best Actor. After starring in over 50 films and getting fame in India, Mithun's rise in global popularity came after the release of his 1982 blockbuster movie 'Disco Dancer'. The actor became a sensation in the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa with the tunes of the film's songs 'Jimmy Jimmy Aaja' and 'I Am A Disco Dancer' being played on the radios.

Breaking Trends With 'Disco Dancer':

In the 1980s, Bollywood was dominated by the theme of the 'angry young man', created by writers duo Salim-Javed with Amitabh Bachchan being the face of these movies. But Mithun Chakraborty made his own name in the 80s by becoming an icon with 'Disco Dancer' and also keeping the theme of an angry young man.

At times when most actors including Big B were inclined towards the image of an angry young man but Mithin Chakraborty carved his own path as Jimmy in 'Disco Dancer'.

Rise In Popularity In The Soviet Union And Other Asian Countries:

As the Soviet Union was involved in a cold war with the US, Hollywood movies were banned for quite some time. With the rise of the popularity of Indian cinema on the global platform, 'Disco Dancer' became a blockbuster in the Soviet Union and other Asian countries. Mithun Chakraborty became a sensation in Russia and is still popular in today's generation in the country.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Mithun's son Namashi Chakraborty revealed that the women in Russia still want to marry his father. He said, "Honestly, I've learnt how to live with it. We four siblings; Because we don't represent any actor but represent one of the greatest superstars of the country, ever. He is not just famous in India but even today, women in Russia want to marry my father. I was shooting there. I was standing there, thinking I am the handsome hunk and as soon as they saw him, they were like, 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy'."

Also Read: Mithun Chakraborty To Be Felicitated With Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Meanwhile, Mithun Chakraborty called his massive popularity in Russia a 'destiny'. He said, "I still don't know why people in Russia love me so much. Maybe because I have come from a poor house. Russia has always been a communist country. The pain and the love of the parents, all counts in Russia. Even today, they love their mother and grandmother. I don't know why but I love them. I love all Russians and the countries that were part of the USSR."

Mithun Chakraborty's Legacy:

The veteran actor was awarded Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian honour, in January 2024. He will be honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian cinema.