Throwback | Disco Dancer filmmaker reveals a fan started dancing on ‘Jimmy Jimmy’ in front of him
B Subhash recalls how Disco Dancer made Mithun Chakraborty a global superstar and turned him into a cultural phenomenon in Russia. From fans dancing at screenings to Jimmy Jimmy becoming an anthem, the filmmaker shares memories of the film's unexpected global legacy.
New Delhi: Even four decades later, B Subhash’s 1982 classic Disco Dancer continues to shine across borders. The musical drama not only made Mithun Chakraborty an international star but also built a long-lasting cinematic bridge between India and Russia.
In a nostalgic conversation with TV9 English, filmmaker B. Subhash recalls how the film’s unexpected global success, especially in Russia, turned into a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today.
B Subhash recalls Disco Dancer, calls it biggest hit
Calling Disco Dancer his "most special film,” filmmaker B Subhash says the film’s success in Russia was something no one had imagined. "Disco Dancer is the biggest hit in Russia so far. It was unexpected. The film had done excellently all over the world. After this film, we established a good relationship with Russia. They like song and dance. Raj Kapoor’s Awara was the first Hindi film in Russia. After that, it’s Disco Dancer,” he recalls.
The song Jimmy Jimmy became an anthem in Russia, drawing fans from every generation. Subhash remembers taking the film to Russia in 1984–85 when he was invited to the Moscow Film Festival. "Initially, I was not sure because earlier, darker films such as Awara and Do Bigha Zameen had been successful. Mine was a modern film with modern music. But they wanted to screen my film,” he says.
When he skipped the first screening, an organiser called him after the show. "Subhash, your film is a hit. People are dancing and enjoying,” he told me. "When I finally went there, I was surprised to see people dancing in the aisles!” Subhash adds.
He even remembers a delightful incident at the venue: "We were sitting in the manager’s room when a lady entered. The coordinator introduced me, saying, ‘This is Babbar Subhash, the director of Disco Dancer.’ Immediately, the lady started dancing!” he laughs.
Speaking about Mithun Chakraborty, Subhash shares how the actor almost lost hope before Disco Dancer. "One day, Mithun said that he wasn’t getting what he wanted despite working hard. I told him, ‘I have a film in mind. I’ll make it with you, and you’ll become a superstar.’ When I said Disco Dancer, I could see the spark in his eyes,” Subhash remembers.
Even years later, the film’s magic remains global. "Before the pandemic, I was in China discussing a co-production. People recognised me and asked me to sing and dance to Jimmy Jimmy. It has become a cult. People still remember the film and recognise me because of it,” he smiles.