“I am happy to be here with the team. My passion for sports led me into this venture. Though I also think of it as a fine business proposition,” said the actor, one of Bollywood's all-time greats,  who is a extremely popular among Bengali film fans and sports buffs.

Speaking on the occasion, West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty said, “I congratulate Mithun for the bold step. We have some 30 stadiums in the state from Siliguri to Contai. We will convert any one ICL wants into a cricket ground and make it their permanent practice venue. They are welcome in the state.”

Mithun has always been a keen sports fan.  The Bengal Football Academy is his baby and he is said to have traveled all over Bengal to raise money by playing exhibition matches - successfully raising Rs 37 lakh back in 1999.

Mithun is also an extremely successful businessman.  He wants to go public with his chain of mid-market hotels operating under the Howard Johnson The Monarch hotels brand to raise capital for expansion across the country. 

Mithun is married to Yogita Bali - a Bollywood actress from the 70's.

Mithun with Hristhita at a recent film launch