LONDON, GB – The stage of Indian Idol Season 16 recently transformed into a deeply personal tribute, honouring the legendary career of Bollywood's first dancing superstar, Mithun Chakraborty. As the popular singing reality show continues its journey through cinematic nostalgia, the upcoming episode featuring the veteran actor took an unexpectedly emotional turn, marking five decades of his indelible impact on Indian cinema.
A Milestone Celebration: 50 Years of Mithun Da
Mithun Chakraborty, often affectionately called 'Mithun Da', has been a defining figure in Indian entertainment, known for his versatility, electrifying dance moves, and commitment to his craft. The special episode dedicated to his 50-year milestone brought together fellow icons like Zeenat Aman, Helen, and Jaya Prada, setting the tone for a trip down memory lane.
However, the true emotional apex arrived when his sons, Mahaakshay Chakraborty (Mimoh) and Ushmey Chakraborty, joined him on stage. The atmosphere shifted from celebratory to profoundly intimate, as detailed in a recently released promo by the channel.
Ushmey’s Heartfelt Revelation
It was Ushmey Chakraborty’s raw and honest sharing that visibly moved the usually composed superstar. Reflecting on growing up in the shadow of a massive star, Ushmey provided a rare glimpse into the demanding reality of Mithun Da’s peak years.
“Today, I have come to his set, and even in my childhood, we could only see him on sets,” Ushmey shared, his voice thick with emotion. He recalled the intense schedule of the 1980s and 90s when Mithun Da was arguably at the zenith of his fame, often working up to four shifts in a single day just to meet the monumental demands of his stardom.
Ushmey noted the surreal feeling of witnessing his father complete 50 years in the industry in 2025/2026. He referenced his own entry into films, stating, “My first film was Bad Boy.”
A Visit to the Roots
The most poignant segment of Ushmey’s tribute involved a recent trip back to his father’s origins. During promotions for Bad Boy, the family visited Kolkata, including the humble neighbourhood where Mithun Chakraborty was born.
“During its promotions, we went to Kolkata. We also visited his first home, the place where he was born,” Ushmey recounted. He admitted the stark reality of the surroundings was difficult to bear, saying, “I couldn’t tolerate the stench of the street for more than 30 seconds because I am the son of a very big superstar.”
The anecdote that followed brought tears to many eyes, including Mithun Da’s. Ushmey described how local residents guided him to a specific window in the old house. They shared a memory of Mithun Da’s early days: “At night, it used to feel so claustrophobic that you couldn’t see a single star in the sky. And from that very house emerged one of the biggest stars of Indian cinema, Mithun Da.”
The On-Stage Climax and Shared Joy
Hearing his son articulate the sheer magnitude of his journey—from those cramped beginnings to global stardom—left Mithun Chakraborty visibly teary-eyed. The father and son shared a heartfelt embrace on the stage, a moment that transcended celebrity status and highlighted the deep familial bond.
The emotional resonance was shared across the set. Judge and acclaimed singer Shreya Ghoshal was seen wiping away tears, deeply affected by the powerful narrative of perseverance and success.
To break the poignant silence, the mood shifted back to pure celebration. Aditya Narayan, Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, Ushmey, and Mimoh joined Mithun Da centre stage. They honoured his legacy by dancing enthusiastically to one of his most iconic chartbusters, 'Julie Julie,' cementing the episode as a true celebration of a cinematic giant.
Indian Idol 16 continues to successfully blend contemporary talent spotting with reverent nods to Bollywood’s golden eras, ensuring that the stories of legends like Mithun Chakraborty remain vivid for new generations.
