17th June 2023, Mumbai: As legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty celebrated his 73rd birthday yesterday, his son Mahaakshay Chakraborty, fondly known as Mimoh, opened up about their relationship and the impact of growing up with a superstar father. In an exclusive interview, Mahaakshay shared his childhood memories, admiration for his father, and his aspirations to make him proud.
Despite Mithun Chakraborty’s low-key approach to birthdays, Mahaakshay revealed that their family always finds ways to celebrate. They would gather around midnight to wish him a happy birthday, even though he insists on no celebration. When Mithun Chakraborty is in Mumbai, a special birthday tradition involves him cooking for his loved ones, which his family eagerly looks forward to each year.
Recalling his childhood, Mahaakshay described his father as a perpetually busy man. He revealed that Mithun Chakraborty used to work on multiple projects simultaneously, sometimes taking on as many as six shifts in a day. Despite his hectic schedule, Mahaakshay and his brother rarely had the opportunity to spend time with their father. However, as they grew older, the once-intimidating personality transformed into a best friend, with whom they now enjoy adult conversations.
Reflecting on their unique perspective as the children of a superstar, Mahaakshay emphasised that for them, Mithun Chakraborty has always been their dad, rather than a larger-than-life figure. They witnessed firsthand the immense love and respect people had for their father, but their personal connection with him remained grounded in his role as a loving and dedicated parent.
When asked about his favourite film of his father’s, Mahaakshay mentioned “Phool Aur Angaaray,” expressing his nostalgic attachment to it. He vividly remembered watching the film repeatedly during its trial screenings before its release. The image of his father in the second half, donning a Terminator-like look with wild hair and a leather jacket, made a lasting impression on him, solidifying Mithun Chakraborty as his coolest action hero.
Despite their limited time together during his childhood, Mahaakshay recognized the sacrifices his father made to provide for their family. He reminisced about the unique way Mithun Chakraborty would announce his arrival home by ringing the doorbell twice. It wasn’t until later that they understood the demands of his career and appreciated the time he dedicated to them.
Describing his father as a balanced parent, Mahaakshay acknowledged that Mithun Chakraborty’s values and principles never wavered when it came to raising his children. He never indulged in over-protection or excessive pampering, fostering a healthy and balanced upbringing for Mahaakshay and his three siblings.
Despite being the son of a Bollywood icon, Mahaakshay expressed gratitude for the privilege rather than considering it a burden. He acknowledged the honour of being recognized as Mithun Chakraborty’s son and thanked his parents for the blessing. Mahaakshay emphasised that his own career achievements should not be attributed to his lineage, but rather to his dedication and the values instilled by his remarkable parents.
By: Tanya Chantola