Shilpa Shirodkar credits Mithun Chakraborty for her break

Shilpa Shirodkar opened up on India’s Best Dancer Season 5 about her journey in the film industry, delivering a candid and moving account of the struggles, sacrifices and sustained commitment that shaped her career. In a conversation that blended nostalgia with gratitude, she paid special tribute to veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty — affectionately known as Mithun Da — crediting his encouragement and kindness at pivotal moments for bolstering her confidence.

She described how mentorship, small acts of support and a relentless dedication to craft helped her navigate the highs and lows of show business, and reflected on the lessons those experiences left her with as she looks ahead.

During the episode, when Geeta Kapur asked Shilpa Shirodkar about her experience working with Mithun Da, Shilpa revealed that Mithun Da played an important role in giving her a chance when her career took an unexpected turn.

She said, "Main iss industry mein aayi hoon aur abhi bhi hoon sirf aur sirf Mithun dada ki wajaha se. Maine meri pehli film 1986 mein sign ki thi, par woh film bani nahi aur industry mein buzz hua ki yeh jinx ladki hain.

Mere manager Mithun dada ke acche dost the, woh dada ke pass gaye aur bole ki acchi ladki hain, aap agar kuch kar sakte ho toh may be she can be part of this industry. Humare daur mein hume kaam rishto aur managers ke bharose milta tha, aur dada ki wajah se mujhe kaam milna shuru hua."

Further continuing the story, "Mithun Dada ki wajha se main iss industry mein hoon toh mujhe humesha aisa daar laga rehta tha ki dada ke sath jab main shooting kar rahi hoon, mujhe aisa lagta tha ki kabhi bhi retake nahi hona chahiye, kyunki dada ko kaisa lagega ki kaisi ladki ko maine launch kar diya, jo retake karti hai, toh jab maine 'Trinetra' film ki thi bahut bade bade gaane the toh main pehle jati thi kyunki dada toh 3-4 shift karte the toh main religiously jake rehearsal karti thi aur ek shot ke liye 20-30 baar rehearsal karti thi phir dada aate the.

"Later, she also shared that once they were ready for a take, even if an accessory fell during the shot, there would be no retake and the shoot would continue, reflecting the discipline and fast-paced working style of that era. Filled with gratitude, the story offered viewers a rare glimpse into an era of filmmaking driven by trust, rigorous preparation, and meaningful relationships.