Mahaakshay Chakraborty aka Mimoh recently opened up about the struggles of her father, the veteran actor Mithun Chakrabortyendured before becoming one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema. In an interaction, Mahaakshay revealed that stories of his father’s difficult early years continue to inspire him whenever he faces life’s challenges.Recalling Mithun’s hardships before stardom, Mahaakshay told Siddharth Kannan, “My father’s fight stories used to scare me. He used to say, ‘Mimoh, there was a time when I used to sleep in parks and at night the police would come and beat me up and take me away, telling me not to sleep there and to go somewhere else.’
“After winning a National Award, he didn’t eat”
Mahaakshay also shared a little-known anecdote from the time after Mithun won the National Award for his debut film.“There was a journalist who wanted to interview him after he won the National Award. Somehow, he tracked him down and asked for an interview. His father said to him: ‘I will give you the interview, but please buy me food because I haven’t eaten,'” he recalled.The actor said these stories have stuck with him throughout his life and help him deal with criticism and setbacks.“Whenever challenges come my way, whether it’s trolling or people saying something negative about me, I remember all his stories. If a man forged by steel and fire didn’t give up, then who are we to give up? You have to keep going. You have to keep your eyes on the fire,” he said.
Mithun could not afford the gym membership
Mahaakshay also revealed another story that left a lasting impression on him. According to him, there was a phase when Mithun wanted to work out but couldn’t afford the gym membership.“Man has seen the worst of everything. He used to go to the gym at 6:30 in the morning to train, but he didn’t have the money to make a membership. He made a deal with the watchman. He told her: “I will use the toilet to get ready and I will sweep and clean the place, but let me use the facilities.” That is Mithun Chakraborty. A man who is a legend today,” he shared.
“I would like to witness that journey”
Reflecting on his father’s rise from misfortune to superstardom, Mahaakshay admitted that he sometimes finds it hard to believe the story itself.“When he would tell me these stories, I would melt. I would think, how can the man I’ve idolized all my life come from such a difficult beginning? Sometimes I can’t even believe that this all happened,” she said.The actor added that if he ever had the opportunity to travel back in time, he would not change a thing, but would like to witness his father’s journey. “If I didn’t go back in time and change reality, I would like to see. How this man, against all odds, did not give up? I would like to feel that pain and understand what he experienced. I think that would be a gift. If you don’t feel pain, you will never feel happiness or experience the highs of life. That is very important”, he concluded.
