Mithun Chakraborty appointed Bengal's cultural advisor with Cabinet minister rank

Veteran actor and BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty was on Wednesday appointed cultural advisor to the West Bengal government and accorded the rank of a Cabinet minister, according to an official notification.

The appointment, which takes effect immediately, has been made under the state’s Information and Cultural Affairs Department. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had recently announced the decision to appoint Chakraborty to the advisory position.

Cabinet minister rank

The notification formally gives effect to the Chief Minister’s announcement and accords Chakraborty Cabinet minister status in his new role. Further details about the specific responsibilities attached to the position were not immediately available.

As cultural advisor, Chakraborty is expected to advise the government on matters relating to Bengal’s cultural activities and initiatives undertaken by the Information and Cultural Affairs Department.

The appointment brings one of Bengal’s most prominent film personalities into a formal role in the state administration.

Long film career

Chakraborty has had a career spanning nearly five decades across Bengali and Hindi cinema. He made his film debut with Mrinal Sen’s Mrigayaa in 1976, a performance that earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

He subsequently emerged as one of Hindi cinema’s most recognisable stars, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, while continuing to work in Bengali cinema. Films such as Disco Dancer helped establish his popularity beyond India as well.

Chakraborty has received three National Film Awards during his career. He was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2024 and received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema, the same year.

Political association

Chakraborty’s appointment also carries political significance because of his long association with public life. He had earlier served as a Rajya Sabha member after being nominated by the Trinamool Congress in 2014, before resigning from the Upper House in 2016.

He joined the BJP in March 2021 and subsequently became one of the party’s prominent campaigners in West Bengal. He has remained associated with the BJP and campaigned extensively for it in the state.

His appointment as cultural advisor comes after the change of government in West Bengal, with Adhikari bringing the veteran actor into the administration in an advisory capacity rather than an elected position.

With Wednesday’s notification, Chakraborty formally assumes the role with Cabinet minister rank and will work with the Information and Cultural Affairs Department on the state government’s cultural agenda.