Mithun Chakraborty, a veteran actor once hailed as a superstar, holds a record that is both intriguing and bittersweet. Over his four-decade-long career, Chakraborty has appeared in nearly 300 films, with a staggering 180 of them being classified as flops, including 33 consecutive ones. Despite this, he remains a beloved figure in Indian cinema, illustrating that success in the film industry isn’t solely measured by box office numbers.
Chakraborty’s last major hit film as a lead actor was “Chandaal,” which was released back in 1998. Although he has since played roles in successful films like “Guru” and “Golmaal 3,” these were in supporting capacities rather than lead roles.
This record of flops is unmatched by his peers, with other prolific Bollywood stars like Govinda, Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Sunny Deol, and Sanjay Dutt having significantly fewer flops in their careers.
The period post-1998 was particularly challenging for Chakraborty. He starred in 33 films over nine years, all of which failed to make a significant impact at the box office, with none earning over Rs 5 crore. His string of unsuccessful releases included titles such as “Hitler,” “Yamraaj,” “Ganga Ki Kasam,” “Billa No 786,” “Agniputra,” “Chalbaaz,” “Elaan,” and “Chingaari.” His fortunes saw a brief improvement with a supporting role in Mani Ratnam’s “Guru.”
Chakraborty’s enduring popularity despite his many professional setbacks highlights an important aspect of stardom — the loyalty and affection of fans can transcend the commercial successes or failures of films. This loyalty ensures that Mithun Chakraborty remains a respected and cherished figure in the world of Indian cinema.