Published By: Sayan Paul

Birthday Spotlight: Mithun Chakraborty's Magic Beyond Films - Inside the Disco King's Massive Hotel Business

In the early 1990s, Chakraborty left Mumbai and moved to Ooty to focus on his hotel business.

Stardom in Bollywood often paves the way to business. Shah Rukh Khan has multiple business ventures, Shilpa Shetty runs wellness and restaurant chains, and then we have Mithun Chakraborty, who has built a massive hotel empire. At the peak of his film career, he made an unconventional move by shifting focus to the hospitality industry in Ooty. So dedicated was he to this new venture that he began choosing films based solely on whether they were shot near his hotels. And guess what? It worked. His hotel business not only flourished but also became the main source of his wealth. So on his birthday, let’s step beyond the dance floor and into his hotel empire, which is as grand as his screen persona.

The Birth of a Dream: Why Mithun Moved from Reels to Real Estate

In the early 1990s, Mithun made a bold choice by moving away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai to settle in the peaceful Nilgiris of Ooty. Having already conquered the film world, he was now looking for a quieter life, with a fresh challenge. That’s when he founded Mithun Hotels Private Limited. 

His first venture was The Monarch, a luxury hotel nestled on a hilltop surrounded by tea estates in Ooty. The idea was to combine the warmth of Indian hospitality with top-tier service and make luxury more accessible. And being Mithun, he not only invested money but also invested himself.

(Credit: The Monarch Ooty)

In 2000, he took things a step further, partnering with Kolkata-based exporter Satyabrata Mukhopadhyay to form Monarch Hospitality Services, even acquiring the master franchise rights for the US-based hotel chain Howard Johnson in India. 

Expansion with a Star’s Vision

By the early 2000s, the Monarch brand was growing beyond Ooty. Mithun launched The Monarch Safari Park in Masinagudi, a rustic resort with treehouse-style accommodations overlooking the lush Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Then came a luxury hotel in Mysuru, designed to offer visitors a royal experience in a city known for its heritage.

Each hotel was thoughtfully designed, with modern amenities like open-air restaurants, discotheques, and even laser disc theaters, at a time when such features were not very common in Indian hospitality. Reviews from guests praised the properties for their scenic locations, spacious rooms, and friendly service.

(Credit: The Monarch Ooty)

In 2006, Mithun revealed even bolder plans that he aimed to take the Monarch Group public. He announced an IPO to fund a nationwide expansion, with new properties planned in Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai. Although the IPO never took off, it showed how far his ambitions stretched.

In 2011, Mithun’s brand made its way to Siliguri in West Bengal with Hotel Monarch Aachal, a property that bore his name and reputation. Though he didn’t directly own it, his guidance and endorsement played a huge role in its popularity.

Money Matters: The Business Behind the Brand

Mithun’s hotels have become a major contributor to his estimated Rs 400 crore net worth (approx. $48 million). While exact earnings from each hotel are not publicly disclosed, his Ooty property, often referred to as a 5-star experience, charges between Rs 8,000 and Rs 20,000 per night. With an average occupancy rate of 60%, The Monarch Ooty alone could easily earn Rs 15–20 crore annually. Add revenue from Masinagudi and Mysuru, and the group’s combined turnover may comfortably exceed Rs 30 crore per year.

According to official filings, Mithun Hotels Private Limited has an authorized capital of Rs 40 crore and a paid-up capital of Rs 32.51 crore. As of the last filing on March 31, 2023, the company is actively operational.

(Credit: The Monarch Ooty)

His earnings from films, especially in the 90s and 2000s when he acted in multiple low-budget films, were substantial. However, many reports suggest that his hotel business eventually began to outstrip even his cinematic income.

Not Without Its Lows

Like most businesses, the Monarch Group hasn’t been immune to setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a harsh blow. In a candid interview, Mithun admitted that there were days when his hotels couldn’t even sell a cup of coffee. Tourism came to a standstill, and with it, the revenue dried up. It was a tough time for the industry, but he didn’t give up.

Post-2021, as hill station tourism picked up again, The Monarch in Ooty saw a steady revival. However, there have been hiccups. Some reviews mention slow housekeeping services and aging interiors. And in January 2025, a cybercriminal impersonating Mithun managed to con the Ooty Hotel out of Rs 20 lakh, exposing the risks tied to fame.

Still, Mithun remains deeply involved in his business. His wife and children are all listed as directors of the company, turning the venture into a true family enterprise.

What makes this story even more compelling is the fact that Mithun Chakraborty has never loudly marketed this side of his career. While other celebrities used social media or press conferences to show off their businesses, he let his hotels, and his guests, do the talking.

Happy Birthday, Mithun da!