Mithun Chakraborty's Son Namashi Recalls Father's Auto Advice for Auditions
Namashi Chakraborty, the son of legendary actor Mithun Chakraborty and former actress Yogita Bali, has recently shared insightful anecdotes about his early days in the film industry. In a candid conversation, he revealed how his father's unconventional advice shaped his approach to acting and independence.
The Auto Journey That Defined His Career
When Namashi received his first audition call for an advertisement in April 2016, he naturally assumed he would travel in the family's Mercedes. However, his father had other plans. Mithun Chakraborty instructed him to take an auto instead, emphasizing that this was not just about transportation but a crucial life lesson.
"He told me, 'Today, my son is not going for an audition. Namashi Chakraborty, a first-timer, is going to give an audition. Go with that attitude,'" Namashi recalled. The journey involved taking an auto from their home to the Versova jetty and then another to Andheri, where the audition was held.
Initially, Namashi questioned the necessity of this mode of travel. His father explained that he needed to start his journey from zero and leave behind the comforts of his privileged upbringing. This experience, though uncomfortable at first, taught him the true meaning of independence and humility.
"That day taught me what independence really means. Even today, I travel by auto when I need to go somewhere," he shared, noting that the project did not materialize but the lesson remained invaluable.
Navigating the Surname and Special Treatment
Namashi also addressed the challenges of being recognized as Mithun Chakraborty's son during auditions. He expressed frustration when people would offer him special treatment, such as seating him in air-conditioned rooms while other aspirants waited elsewhere.
"I would tell them, 'Please don't treat me specially. Treat me the same way you treat other actors.' When you're auditioning for the same role, talent should matter, not the surname," he asserted. This perspective led him to reject the insider-outsider debate prevalent in Bollywood, believing that only talent matters in front of the camera.
Earning a Role in The Bengal Files on Merit
Namashi's breakthrough came with a role in Vivek Agnihotri's upcoming film, The Bengal Files. While his mother casually mentioned his name to the filmmaker, the opportunity was far from handed to him. He emphasized that his father did not intervene, and the role was secured purely through his own efforts.
After being called to Agnihotri's office, Namashi underwent three rigorous rounds of auditions for different characters, including the villainous role of Gulam. His openness to diverse roles impressed the director, who initially assumed he would only want to play a hero.
"He auditioned me for the role of Gulam, then for another character, and then again for Gulam. There were three rounds of auditions, and only after that did I get the role," Namashi explained. He credited his success to perseverance and talent, rather than familial connections.
Lessons in Independence and Humility
Reflecting on his journey, Namashi highlighted how his father's teachings have instilled a sense of self-reliance. The auto ride to his first audition symbolized shedding the baggage of privilege and embracing the grind of starting from scratch.
This philosophy extends beyond auditions, influencing his daily life and career choices. By prioritizing merit over nepotism, Namashi aims to carve his own path in Bollywood, proving that hard work and dedication are paramount, regardless of one's background.
His story serves as an inspiring reminder that success in the entertainment industry often requires humility, resilience, and a willingness to learn from the ground up.
