Veteran actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mithun Chakraborty has officially taken on the role of advisor to the West Bengal government's Information and Cultural Affairs Department. The appointment, which grants him the status of a Cabinet minister, became effective immediately following a state government notification on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
New Role in West Bengal Government
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously indicated that Chakraborty would be integrated into the government as a cultural advisor. This formal appointment follows Chakraborty's recent involvement in significant cultural initiatives, including the centenary celebrations for Bengali film icon Uttam Kumar. Adhikari made the initial announcement during the foundation-laying ceremony for the Uttam Kumar Film Centre in New Town, highlighting the state's intent to leverage Chakraborty's extensive cultural background.
The precise scope and responsibilities of the Mithun Chakraborty cultural advisor role are anticipated to be detailed as he officially assumes his new duties within the department.
A Career Spanning Film and Politics
Chakraborty's public prominence predates his political engagements, built upon a prolific five-decade career in cinema. Born in Kolkata, he launched his acting career in 1976 with Mrinal Sen's 'Mrigayaa', a performance that earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor. He later rose to become one of Hindi cinema's most recognizable stars in the 1980s, famously known for films like 'Disco Dancer'. Throughout his career, he has also maintained strong ties to Bengali cinema.
His political journey saw him join the BJP in March 2021 during a major rally in Kolkata, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He actively campaigned for the party in the subsequent West Bengal Assembly election and was later inducted into the BJP's state core committee in 2022. Prior to his BJP affiliation, Chakraborty served as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha member from 2014 until his resignation in December 2016, citing health reasons. He later described his association with the TMC as a "bad decision."