Mithun Chakraborty once outshone Amitabh Bachchan, says film exhibitor: ‘He charged ₹1 lakh a day'

Mithun Chakraborty, the original 'Disco Dancer', gained immense popularity in the 1980s and 90s, revitalising single-screen theatres in regions like Bihar.

Known as Hindi cinema’s original ‘Disco Dancer’, Mithun Chakraborty enjoyed unprecedented popularity in the 1980s and 90s. He often challenged the industry's stereotypical image of a Bollywood hero. Despite not fitting the conventional mould, Mithun became a bankable star whose films were a lifeline for many single-screen theatres, especially in regions like Bihar.

How Mithun kept the single screens alive

Mithun Chakraborty, a major figure in Hindi cinema during the 80s and 90s, defied conventional hero standards.

In a recent episode of the Digital Commentary podcast, Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema—one of Bihar’s oldest theatres—shared how Mithun’s stardom kept the business afloat during challenging times.

“Mithun is a legend, no matter what anyone says. There was a time when he gave us two films every month. Every Mithun film opened with 100% occupancy. We knew the week would be good if it were his movie. Mithun Chakravarthy ne single screeen ko sambhala hua tha jab Bollywood dheere dheere apni elitist daur me nikal gaya tha (Mithun Chakraborty had kept single-screen cinemas alive when Bollywood slowly drifted into its elitist phase)," said Vishek.

"There was a period between 85-90 when Mithun Chakraborthy was rubbing shoulders with the top. Sometimes, people would place him above Amitabh Bachchan, that Mithun has become so big and given so many hits, so he has seen that kind of stardom too," Vishek added.

Mithun recently starred the rom-com legal drama Shreeman vs Shreemati which released in May this year. He is also featured in Vivek Agnihotri’s historical-political film The Bengal Files: Right To Life, set to release on September 5, 2025