New Delhi/IBNS: President Droupadi Murmu Tuesday conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award upon veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest award conferred in India in the field of cinema.

In his initial reaction, Chakraborty told ANI, "I don't have words. Neither I can laugh nor cry tears of joy. This is such a huge thing for someone like me who rose from nowhere literally. I could not have imagined this. I am extremely happy. I dedicate this to my family and my fans across the world."

The veteran actor, who has three National Awards under his belt, was conferred India's third-highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan in January 2024.

Chakraborty made his debut with maestro Mrinal Sen's Mrigayaa in 1976. His portrayal of a Santhal rebel in Mrinal Sen's film earned him the national accolade.

Chakraborty gained significant popularity in the 1980s with his role in Disco Dancer (1982), a film that became a major success both in India and internationally, establishing him as a dancing sensation.

He became a household name with his iconic role in Disco Dancer, a film that not only showcased his exceptional dancing skills but also popularized disco music in Indian cinema.

His performance in Agneepath also won him the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1990.

Later, he won two more National Film Awards for his roles in Tahader Katha (1992) and Swami Vivekananda (1998).

Over his extensive career, Chakraborty has acted in more than 350 films across various Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Odia, Bhojpuri, and Telugu.

He is known for his diverse performances, ranging from action to drama and comedy, and has won several awards, including three National Film Awards for Best Actor.