No plans for direction now : Mithun Chakroborty

Playing the Grandmaster of Zee TV’s Dance India Dance Doubles, Mithun Chakroborty is juggling many roles- as actor, as businessman, as reality show judge and as a family person. The charismatic performer speaks to IBNS correspondent Kaustav Datta on his upcoming films, his family, his thoughts on politics, and his new avatar as the supreme judge of dance reality shows

Excerpts of the interview:

How difficult is it to judge Dance India Dance Doubles?

It is really difficult on my part to judge Dance India Doubles, since I have to keep vigilant eye on both of the performers performing on the stage and also the chemistry between the two. A single performer’s performance is relatively easier.

You are the Grandmaster of Dance India dance and also the MahaGuru in Dance Bangla Dance. How is your rapport with junior judges in both of these shows?

Frankly speaking, it’s extremely friendly and cordial.

There was an incident few days back that a child in Kolkata attempted suicide since her parents did not allow the child to participate in a reality show. What’s your comment?

I haven’t heard anything of this sort till today. But if such things had happened, then it is extremely shocking. Personally I feel that parents should not pressurize their kids to do anything. According to me as and when the basic education is over, parents should get more responsible and should act in a matured manner. They should ask their kids what they actually want to do in life instead pressurizing them to do something. For example in my case, I have 4 children (3 boys, and 1 girl). I have told them do what ever they feel like in life only after their basic education is over.

Tell us about your English film, Indian Autumn?

(Smile)…legal constraints…I can’t say anything more on that project.

Any Bengali film you are doing at present?

Recently I have finished shooting for a Bengali film called, “Ami Shubhas Bolchi” ,directed by Mahesh Manjerakar. In next couple of months I will start shooting for Suman Mukherjee’s”Noble Chor”.

What about Bollywood, anything cooking….?

(Smile)….Most Probably “Housefull 2″…although I haven’t got any money from the producer still now (Smile…). I will be flying to Mumbai probably tomorrow to sign the papers.

On hand acting in films, then judging reality shows, and again last not the least your chain of hotels as well as your school in Chennai. How do you allocate time for all these?

It’s difficult. But I get full support from my elder son Mimo in my business, so it gets easier.

When can we see Mimo, your elder son again on screen?

Hmm…Very soon. He just completed shooting for a film for Vikram Bhatt .

Would you like to do the role of Jimmy (Disco dancer) if you are offered?

No. It is not possible for me standing at this age to bring that spontaneity of Jimmy neither can I bring back the innocence of the character that I enacted in Mrigaya.

Do you have any plans to produce any dance reality show in future?

Nehi.!!!.. I don’t have that much money (smile,,,)

Three of your best films according to you?

Its really difficult after doing 300+ films. The three national award winning films of mine will definitely get preference in that list.

When can we see Mithun Chakroborty as a director?

I do have interest in direction, but as of now there are no such plans.

With assembly election knocking at the door in West Bengal, did any political party approach you?

(Smile..) No political party will dare to do that (smile..)

After Fatakesto (a tough and daredevil do-gooder character made famous by Mithun) , the entire scenario of Bengali movies has changed. You are regarded as the pioneer of that change. What’s your comment.

Fatakesto is immortal. I am really proud, that the scenario changed as I always wanted and dreamt of such change in Bengali movie arena.

When will we see Fatakesto again on screen?

Hopefully very soon. This time may be as Gunda Fatakesto (Rowdy Fatakesto) (smile..)

Do you think the talent that emerges out of reality shows fades out soon?

I don’t think so. If the individual has talent, he or she will definitely make a mark. But, my friend you have to remember, out of thousands only one becomes Amitabh or Mithun or Hrithik.

Among the current lot of Bollywood heroes whose dance do you like the most?

I respect the dancing style of Hrithik and Sahid.

Your comment on the participants of Dance Bangla Dance Junior?

They are extremely talented. They treat me as their father. I even feed them and at times they sleep on my lap.