Dishani Chakraborty on father Mithun Chakraborty: I can write a book with all the great advice I’ve received from him – Times of India

Mithun Chakraborty’s daughter Dishani is following in her father’s footsteps and has been working towards making a career in acting. ETimes caught up with the superstar’s daughter for an exclusive interview where she spilled the beans on her bond with her brothers, advice that she has received from her father, and more. Excerpts…

Being the daughter of a Bollywood superstar, was it obvious for you to be inclined towards movies, or did you have other aspirations?
I definitely went through a rebellious phase where I told myself that I didn’t want to do anything related to acting and rather do something out-of-the-box. I took classical and western singing lessons for four years but it certainly didn’t last for a very long time, because I found my passion for films and acting very quickly.

You must have grown up watching your father’s movies. Did you ever go on sets with him while he was shooting?

I took every opportunity to go on the sets with them. I remember sitting in his vanity van and watching him read his lines, get his makeup done and transform for his roles; I found it so fascinating and still do.

Are you a mumma’s or daddy’s girl? Who are you closest to?
As upset as my dad gets hearing this, I’m definitely a mumma’s girl. She’s my best friend. But I also know that I’m my dad’s favourite, so, I feel like I get the best of both worlds.

Any advice that you have received from your father…
I can write a book with all the great advice I’ve received from my father. But the one piece of advice that he’s always given my brothers and me, is to have great work ethics, and be a good person at the same time. I think a lot of people in the industry lose out on either one of those, and I truly believe that my father is who he is because of his excellent work ethic, and generous heart.

What kind of bond do you share with your brothers?
I feel blessed to have the bond that my brothers and I share. We’re inseparable. We all have common interests, and growing up, I was definitely quite a tomboy thanks to them; I was a hardcore WWE fan!

Apart from your father and brothers, is there any actor you look up to in the industry?
In Bollywood, I love Alia Bhatt; I’ve loved her since ‘Highway’ and I watch all her work. In Hollywood, it has to be Natalie Portman. I’ve been her fan ever since the ‘Star Wars’ movies.

From the younger generation of actors, who do you think has the most potential?
I haven’t seen much work from the younger generation, but I think Ishaan Khatter is highly talented. I know him from Shiamak Davar’s dance classes and I could tell even back then that he has what it takes to make it in Bollywood.

An actor you wish to make your big Bollywood debut with?
I would love to make my debut in Bollywood opposite Ishaan Khatter or Abhimanyu Dasani. Abhimanyu is a dear friend and I am so proud of the work he’s been doing.

Recent films or series that you absolutely loved…
The last TV show that I binge-watched was ‘Mare of Easttown’ starring Kate Winslet and I couldn’t fathom how excellent the show was! The last Bollywood movie I saw was ‘Mimi’ which was recommended by my mom. I really enjoyed it; it has so many powerful performances by the whole cast.