Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty takes on a ministerial-level Cultural Adviser role in West Bengal, focusing on film subsidies, tourism, football development and cultural revival as he seeks to translate his cinematic legacy into policy initiatives.
Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty has entered a new phase of his public life after taking on the role of Cultural Adviser to the BJP government in West Bengal. The actor, widely known as “Mithunda” among his admirers, is now seeking to use his experience and popularity to influence initiatives linked to cinema, culture, tourism and sports development in the state.
Chakraborty’s transition from one of India’s most recognisable film personalities to a policymaking role marks a significant development in his political journey. His responsibilities reportedly come with ministerial-level privileges and are aimed at strengthening West Bengal’s cultural and developmental sectors.
One of his major areas of focus is the state’s film industry. Chakraborty has reportedly advocated a 30 per cent subsidy for films shot in West Bengal, a proposal that was accepted. The initiative is intended to encourage filmmakers from across the country to choose the state as a shooting destination and help revive West Bengal’s position as an important centre of Indian cinema.
The actor has also highlighted the state’s diverse natural and cultural landscape, including its mountains, coastline and rich artistic heritage. According to the information available, he believes these attractions can be used more effectively to draw film productions from different parts of India and restore the state’s reputation as a major filmmaking destination.
Chakraborty’s association with Bengali cinema has remained strong throughout his long career. His performances in recent Bengali films, including Projapati and Kabuliwala, have received appreciation, keeping his connection with the regional film industry active even as he expanded his political role.
Born in Kolkata in 1950, Chakraborty rose to national prominence after his performance in Mrigayaa in 1976, for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor. He subsequently became a household name through films such as Disco Dancer and Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki, while also building a substantial body of work in Bengali cinema.
His political journey has taken several turns. He was earlier associated with the Trinamool Congress and served as a Rajya Sabha member before resigning in 2016. In 2021, he joined the BJP, becoming a prominent personality in the party’s political campaign in West Bengal. His film background and popularity among the public gave the BJP a recognisable cultural figure with a strong connection to the state.
In his new role, Chakraborty is also looking beyond cinema. Tourism development in the Sunderbans has reportedly emerged as another area of interest. He has supported efforts to utilise the region’s natural beauty, mangrove ecosystem and wildlife to attract tourists. A proposal involving a resort in the Sunderbans has reportedly faced opposition from environmental activists, although official confirmation regarding such a project remains awaited.
Sports development is another key component of his agenda. Chakraborty has pushed for the revival of plans for a football academy in West Bengal. Accompanied by former footballers, he recently announced the revival of the proposed Bengal Football Academy in New Town on the outskirts of Kolkata.
The initiative seeks to create opportunities for young footballers and strengthen the state’s traditional connection with the sport. West Bengal has historically enjoyed a strong football culture, and a structured academy could provide aspiring players with training and development opportunities.
Chakraborty’s involvement in film, tourism and sports indicates that his appointment is being positioned as more than a ceremonial role. His popularity as an actor is being combined with initiatives intended to address cultural promotion and economic opportunities.
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As West Bengal moves into a new political phase under its first BJP government, Chakraborty’s new responsibilities have placed him at the intersection of entertainment, culture and policymaking. From advocating film subsidies to promoting tourism and reviving football development, the veteran actor is attempting to turn his decades-long cultural influence into initiatives that could contribute to the state’s future.
