Mumbai: The Indian film industry is seeing massive success at the box office, with films like Dangal (₹2,070 crore), Baahubali (₹1,790 crore), RRR (₹1,188 crore), KGF Chapter 2 (₹1,187 crore), Jawaan (₹1,148 crore), and Pathaan (₹1,050 crore) topping global collections. The question now is whether Pushpa: 2 can surpass these figures, with the film currently claiming ₹1,409 crore in global box office revenue. If the trend continues, it is expected to overtake Dangal and become one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

The first film to cross ₹100 crore in India

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Interestingly, the first Indian film to cross ₹100 crore at the box office was Disco Dancer, released in 1982. While the film only earned ₹6 crore in India, it made a huge impact in the Soviet Union, where it grossed ₹95 crore (12 crore tickets sold). Disco Dancer was the second highest-grossing film in the Soviet Union that year, marking a turning point in Indian cinema's global reach.

In 1975, Sholay set records that would stand for years. Disco Dancer, however, held the title of India’s biggest hit for 12 years, until Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994) earned ₹128 crore globally, setting a new benchmark.

Mithun Chakraborty: The star behind 'Disco Dancer'

Disco Dancer starred Mithun Chakraborty, who became synonymous with the film's success. At the time, Bollywood was dominated by the ‘angry young man’ image, with Amitabh Bachchan leading the charge. However, Disco Dancer shifted the narrative, introducing the dance genre to Bollywood and turning Mithun into a popular 'disco' hero.

Mithun recalls: "That film turned me into a dancing superstar. Back then, making a film with just dance as the theme was a huge risk, and I don’t think anyone today would be willing to do that."

The film's director and producer, B Subhash, told the story of a street singer who rises to fame as a disco star. The soundtrack, composed by Bappi Lahiri, featured iconic songs like I Am a Disco Dancer, Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Aaja, and Yaad Aa Raha Hai, which remain hugely popular even today.

Mithun's iconic look and global fame

Mithun's distinct look in the film, with his shining full-sleeve blazer, plain pants, silver shoes, and silver shirt, became iconic. Along with his disco steps, he won the hearts of audiences worldwide, especially in China, where he gained immense popularity thanks to Jimmy Jimmy.

The beginning of disco in Bollywood

Disco Dancer marked the beginning of the disco music trend in Bollywood, forever changing the landscape of Indian cinema. The film’s success paved the way for an era of dance-driven stories, with Mithun Chakraborty becoming a beloved figure in Indian pop culture.

As the industry continues to break records, the legacy of films like Disco Dancer remains integral to the evolution of Bollywood, from regional hits to global blockbusters.