Uttam Kumar

Uttam Kumar (born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay; 3 September 1926 – 24 July 1980), widely known as Mahanayak (), was an Indian film actor, producer, director, screenwriter, composer, and playback singer who predominantly worked in Bengali cinema and few in Hindi cinema. His career spanned three decades, from the late 1940s until his death in 1980. Kumar is regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema and also the most popular and successful film star in Bengal.

He appeared in over 200 films, including '' Agni Pariksha'', '' Harano Sur'', '' Bicharak'', '' Saptapadi'', '' Jhinder Bandi'', '' Sesh Anka'', '' Deya Neya'', ''Lal Pathor'', '' Jatugriha'', '' Thana Theke Aschi'', '' Chowringhee'', '' Nayak'', '' Nishi Padma'', '' Chhadmabeshi'', '' Dhanyee Meye'', '' Amanush'', '' Agnishwar'', '' Bagh Bondi Khela, Sanyasi Raja, Ogo Bodhu Shundori''. He produced seven films, and he directed the films ', '' Bon Palashir Padabali'', and '' Kalankini Kankabati.'' He also composed music for his several films.

Kumar was one of the most successful and influential actors in Bengali cinema history. He was the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor for his work in '' Antony Firingee'' (1967), and ''Chiriyakhana'' (1967). His other awards include the BFJA Best Actor Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He is the namesake of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station in Tollygunge and the Mahanayak Samman Award given by the Government of West Bengal.

Early life

Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay was born on 3 September 1926 at a maternal home in Ahiritola in northern Calcutta. His father was Satkari Chattopadhyay from Hooghly district of West Bengal and his mother was Chapla Devi. He was from a lower-middle-class family. His father was a film projectionist in Metro Cinema. He had two brothers, Barun and Tarun. The latter was also an actor. The nickname "Uttam" was given to him by his maternal grandmother.

Kumar was admitted to Chakraberia High School and later entered South Suburban School (Main) where he passed matriculation. While in school, he found a theatre group called "Lunar Club". Kumar's first role was in Rabindranath Tagore's ''Mukut'' at the age of five, for which he won a medal. He again won a medal for ''Gayasur'' play. He joined Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration for his higher studies, but was unable to complete this education because of the financial difficulties his family was facing. He left college when he was in his last year and joined Kolkata Port Trust as a clerk, where he got paid 275 rupees per month.

He learned singing from Nidanbandhu Banerjee. He learned Lathi Khela martial art training yoga and practised wrestling, football, volleyball and cricket He was a champion in swimming at Bhawanipur Swimming Association three consecutive seasons. His family owned an amateur theatre group called Suhrid Samaj.

Career

Early film career (1947–1951)

After few struggling years, Kumar entered the film industry in 1947, appearing as an extra in the Hindi film ''Mayadore,'' which was never released. His first released film appearance was in '' Drishtidan (''1948''),'' directed by Nitin Bose and with Asit Baran playing the lead role; this film was under his birth name Arun Kumar Chattophadyay. The next year in 1949, he appeared for the first time as the hero in the film '' Kamona'', changing his name again to Uttam Chatterjee. Later he changed his name again to Arup Kumar. His first time lipsyncing a song was in the 1950 film '' Maryada''. The 1951 film '' Sahajatri'' was the first in which he used the name Uttam Kumar, at the advice of Pahari Sanyal. In this film, he met singer-songwriter Hemanta Mukherjee, over whose voice he lip-synced. Many of Kumar's early films (almost 7 films) were flops, and he was nicknamed "Flop Master General". He was hugely disappointed and decided to leave the film industry. During this time Kumar continued working at the Port Trust simultaneously

Initial success and breakthrough (1952–1954)

In 1952, Kumar was cast in one of the lead roles in M.P Production's banner '' Basu Poribar'', directed by Nirmal Dey, which was his first film to get success and become superhit and receive praise. With this success, he left the Port Trust and fully joined the film industry. The following year, he worked with the same studio and director in the comedy film '' Sharey Chuattor'', which was his first time paired with Suchitra Sen. This film became blockbuster hit. His first breakthrough role was in Agradoot's film '' Agnipariksha'' in 1954. That film created a milestone in Bengali Cinema and was a trendsetter for the Bengal box office.

Expansion (1955–1965)

In 1955, Kumar appeared in musical blockbuster film '' Shapmochon,'' gave him star status. Here his combination with Hemanta Mukherjee became iconic, and they later became the most popular singer-actor duo. In the same year he worked in '' Sabar Uparey'' and a different genre film called '' Hrad'', where he played a mental patient who lost his memory. For his outstanding performance in ''Hrad'' he got his first BFJA Best Actor Award. In 1956 he appeared in films such as '' Shyamali'', '' Saheb Bibi Golam'' which was remade in Hindi as Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, and in the Debaki Boss film '' Chira Kumar Sabha'' and Nabajanma. In 1957 he worked in '' Harano Sur'' which was his first production and won a National Award;'' Pothey Holo Deri'' which was the first color Bengali film; and worked in '' Chandranath'' which was first Indian film release in Metro Cinema. For the first time he appeared in a double role in a film called '' Tasher Ghar''. In 1958 he worked on ''Indrani'', '' Surya Toron'' and ''Rajlaxmi O Srikanto''. In 1959 he worked on many iconic films like '' Bicharak'', '' Abak Prithibi'', '' Chawa Pawa'', '' Marutirtha Hinglaj'' and '' Sonar Harin''.

In the 1960s, Kumar became a highly successful star. 1960 he appeared in '' Maya Mriga'', as well as in the iconic '' Khokababur Pratyabortan''. He also appeared in his first negative role in ''Kuhuk''. In 1961 he worked with Tapan Sinha's cult classic '' Jhinder Bandi'' in a double role, and in '' Saptapadi'' which he produced. This film won a National Award and Kumar won his second BFJA Best Actor award. In 1962 he appeared in '' Bipasha'' and '' Shiulibari''. In 1963 he worked on the musical '' Deya Neya''. He also worked in '' Uttarayan'', '' Surya Sikha'' with Supriya Devi, and thriller film '' Sesh Anka;'' and produced '' Branti Bilash'' where he played another dual role and '' Uttar Falguni.'' In 1964 he produced '' Jatugriha'' which won the National Award again and worked on '' Lalpathore''. In 1965 he worked in an iconic crime thriller '' Thana Theke Aschi'' where he played a role of Police Investigator.

Collaboration with Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray originally approached Kumar to appear in his film '' Ghare Baire'', which he wrote in 1956. Ray approached Kumar to appear as the role of Sandip, but Kumar refused, believing the role would be better for an established actor. Ray completed the film in 1984, after Kumar's death, casting Soumitra Chatterjee for the role.

Kumar collaborated with Ray for the first time in 1966 on the film '' Nayak''. Nayak premiered in Indira Cinema, during which an incident involving frenzied fans occurred. Satyajit Ray invited Uttam Kumar to the premiere, and when he arrived at theatre there were thousands of people gathered there. Kumar's shirts was snatched by the craze of public. For this film he won third time BFJA Award for Best Actor. Later he also attended in Berlin Film Festival. After seeing Kumar in ''Nayak'', actress Elizabeth Taylor was impressed with his performance and wanted to work with and meet him.

In 1967, Kumar worked with Ray again in ''Chiriyakhana'', in which he became the first actor to play the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshi. When the Government of India instituted the National Film Award for Best Actor, Kumar was the first actor to be honoured at the 15th National Film Awards in 1968 for his performances in ''Chiriyakhana'' and '' Anthony Firingee''.

National Award and different works (1966–1975)

He directed his first film, '' Sudhu Ekti Bochor'' in 1966. In 1967, he worked on the iconic biographical film '' Anthony Firingee'' based on a Portuguese Folk Poet Hensman Anthony's life, where Kumar won National Award for Best Actor as first Indian actor the film become all-time blockbuster also. He worked in '' Jiban Mrityu'', '' Nayika Sangbad'', '' Grihadaha w''here he won his fourth time BFJA Best Actor Award, and in ''Chiriyakhana''.

At this time Kumar focused on character acting. In 1968 he appeared in cult classic film '' Chowrangee,'' ''Kokhono Megh'' and '' Tin Adhyay''. In 1971 he worked in the iconic comedy Dhanni Meye and Chhadmabeshi, '' Jiban Jiggasa'' and '' Ekhane Pinhar'' for this film he won his fifth BFJA Best Actor Award. In 1972 he worked in two films, '' Stree'' and '' Memsaheb,'' and won his sixth BFJA Best Actor Award for ''Stree''. In 1973 he worked on hit '' Roudra Chaya'', and his own direction '' Bon Palashir Padaboli''.

In 1974 he worked In a double version (Bengali and Hindi) color big film '' Amanush'' directed by Shakti Samanta. For this film he won for the seventh time the BFJA Best Actor Award and his first Filmfare Award. This film created a record at the box office and became a golden jubilee hit ran for 96 weeks in theaters. It's also become the most successful film of Kumar's entire career. In 1975 he appeared in big hit films such as '' Sanyashi Raja'', '' Mouchak'', and '' Agnishwar'', and worked with Suchitra Sen for the last time in '' Priyo Bandhobi''. In that same year he appeared in '' Bagh Bondi Khela'' as the villain.

Last years (1976–1980s)

From 1976, Kumar's career slumped, despite he give some hit films like '' Banhisikha'' (1976) where he won his eighth and last BFJA Best Actor Award which was a record win at that time and Sei Chokh. In 1977 he worked another double version '' Ananda Ashram'' by Shakti Samanta but only the Bengali version become all-time blockbuster and ran over 26 weeks. In 1978 he worked on superhit '' Dhanraj Tamang'' for which he won Best Actor Award in Filmfare Award East. In 1979 he worked on '' Sunayani'' which was a hit. But between these films, many films flopped and were average. In 1980 '' Dui Prithibi'' was release, and became successful and critically acclaimed after a long time. This was the last film released during his lifetime.

After his death some films were released; one of them '' Ogo Badhu Sundori'' (1981), became a huge success at the box office and ran for 26 weeks. Later releases '' Kalankini Kankabati'' which he directed, and '' Protisodh'' were also successful. In 1982 a Hindi film, '' Desh Premee'', was released in which Uttam Kumar worked in an important supporting role. His last released film in 1987 was a Hindi film '' Mera Karam Mera Dharam'' where he appeared for a brief role.

Producing and directing

Kumar produced six Bengali films and one Hindi film. All of his Bengali film became successful. The first films he produced, '' Harano Sur'' (1957) and then '' Saptapadi'', were under the banner of Alochayas Production. Both films were directed by Ajoy Kar and received the National Film Award. In 1963, he changed the name of his production house to Uttam Kumar Films Private L.T.D. The first film produced under this banner was '' Bhranti Bilash'', which was followed by '' Uttar Falguni'', and '' Jatugriha'' which both won National Award again, and '. The only Hindi film as well as his last produced film was '' Chhoti Si Mulaqat'', which was unsuccessful.

Later, Kumar directed three hit films like ' which ran for 84 days in theatre, '' Bon Palashir Padabali'' which ran for 120 days in theatre and '' Kalankini Kankabati'' (released after his death).

Music

Kumar first sang in the 1950 film '' Maryada''. He composed music for the film ', in which Hemanta Mukherjee and Asha Bhosle sang, and also composed '' Sabyasachi'' (1977). He was also a playback singer in his own film ' (1956). Later, he made a recording singing Rabindra Sangeet. He collaborated with Shyamal Mitra on the background score for ''Bon Palashir Padabali''.

Theatre

Kumar acted in theatre before debuting in the film industry. In 1953, he returned to theatre, acting in a play called ''Shyamali'' under the Star Theater banner. ''Shyamali'' created a record by running for over 486 nights. The director Ajoy Kar made a film based on the play with the same title, '' Shyamali''. In the 1970s, Kumar directed plays under the organisation Shilpi Sangshad. He directed three plays, ''Charankabi Mukunda Das'', ''Sajahan'' and ''Charitraheen'', but he did not act in these. Later, he acted in ''Alibaba''.

Hindi cinema

In 1956 Raj Kapoor wanted to cast Kumar in the Bengali version of ''Jagte Raho'', but Kumar declined. In 1962, his friend, composer Hemant Kumar, offered him the lead role in a Hindi film titled '' Sharmili'', directed by Biren Nag. Uttam Kumar was included in promotions for the film, but later cancelled for unknown reasons. Their relationship hit a low point after he rejected it. In 1964, Raj Kapoor approached him to appear in a film under his R.K Films banner, called Sangam, but Kumar rejected it, and the role went to Rajendra Kumar.
Kumar's first Hindi film role was in '' Chhoti Si Mulaqat'' in 1967, directed by Alo Sarkar and produced by Kumar. The film was adapted from Kumar's earlier Bengali film, ''Agni Pariksha''. ''Chhoti Si Mulaqat'' was a failure as the material was considered outdated and lost much of the original film's subtlety. Sarkar's second film starring Kumar, ''Bandi'' (1978), was also a failure. His sole success in Hindi was '' Amanush''. The film, directed by Shakti Samanta, was bilingual in both Bengali and Hindi. Kumar's appeared in another bilingual film directed by Samanta, '' Anand Ashram'', a remake of the 1941 film ''Daktar'', which starred Pankaj Mullick and Ahindra Choudhury. Kumar's later Hindi films, ''Kitaab'' and '' Dooriyaan'', were box-office failures.

Remakes

For the popularity and quality of Kumar's films, he was influenced to remake his films many times in Hindi and South Indian languages. In 1952, his first hit film ''Basu Paribar'' was remade in Hindi as '' Hum Hindustani'' in 1960. ''Agni Pariksha'' was remade in Tamil and Telugu simultaneously as '' Mangalya Balam''. and also won a National Award. Later Kumar remade his own production as '' Chhoti Si Mulaqat'' in 1967 which was a remake of his Bengali film ''Agni Pariksha''. ''Sabar Uparey'' was remade in Hindi as '' Kala Pani'' (1958).

Other films were also remade include:
* Shyamali as '' Kodimalar (''Tamil)
* ''Saheb Bibi Golam'' as '' Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam'' (Hindi, 1962)
* ''Harano Sur'' as '' Amar Deep'' (Hindi, 1958)
* ''Bhranti Bilash'' as '' Do Dooni Char'' (Hindi, 1968); '' Angoor'' (1982); ''Cirkus'' (2022)
* ''Deya Neya'' as '' Anurodh'' (Hindi, 1977)
* ''Jiban Mrityu'' as '' Jeevan Mrityu'' (Hindi, 1970)
* ''Nishi Padma'' as '' Amar Prem'' (1972)
* ''Chhadabeshi'' as '' Chupke Chupke'' (1975)
* ''Stree'' remake as '' Ayaash'' 1982
* ''Amanush'' as '' Edureeta'' (Telugu, 1977); '' Raja Ramesh''. (Telugu, 1977); '' Thyagam'' (Tamil, 1978); '' Ithaa Oru Manushyan'' (Malayalam,1978).

Conflict with Soumitra Chatterjee

In the 1960s, a rivalry was started between Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee who was also a renowned actor. In a 2014 interview, Chatterjee said about Kumar, "I knew Uttamda ever since he was a Kolkata Port Trust employee before becoming a star. We had met at the theatre beforehand. Any talk about our rivalry is baseless as few know how caring he was. He once dragged me jogging to stay and look fit and trim as a hero at the crack of dawn. I woke up in the dawn hearing commotion in the lane outside and then he called me aloud. Waving to the crowd around the Austin we both got inside and drove away - to the lake area."

On-screen partnerships

Kumar and Suchitra Sen appeared together in many films. They first appeared as co-stars in ''Share Chuattor''. The film was successful, and was followed by '' Agni Pariksha'', ''Shilpi'', '' Saptapadi'', ''Pathe Holo Deri'', '' Harano Sur'', '' Chaowa Paowa'', '' Bipasha'', ''Jiban Trishna'', ''Sagarika'', ''Trijama'', ''Indrani'', ''Sabar Upare'', ''Surjyo Toron'', ''Rajlakshmi O Sreekanto'', ''Ekti Raat'', ''Grihadaha'', ''Kamallata'', ''Har Mana Har'', and ''Alo Amar Alo''. They had worked together in 30 films, of which 29 were box-office successes. In an interview, Kumar once said about his chemistry with Sen, "Roma (Sen's real name) saved my career before Sharey Chuattor every heroine was older than me, so the chemistry did not work properly, hence many of my films did not work (flopped), then Roma came and I felt I got my heroine. If Roma never came I never would've been the Uttam Kumar."

'' Sonar Harin'' saw Supriya Devi play the lead opposite Kumar. As they began to act in more films together, the two got involved off-screen as well. In 1963, Uttam left his family home at Girish Mukherjee Road, Bhowanipur and stayed with Supriya for the next 17 years until his death. They starred together in several other films like ''Uttarayan'', ''Chiradiner'', ''Agni Sanskar'', ''Suno Baranari'', ''Kal Tumi Aleya'', ''Lal Pathor'', ''Andha Atit'', ''Sudhu Ekti Bochhor'', ''Mon Niye'', ''Bilambita Loy'', ''Bhola Maira'', ''Sanyasi Raja'', '' Bon Palashir Padabali'', ''Sister'', ''Jibon Mrityue'', ''Bagh Bandir Khela''.

Kumar worked in many films with the actress Sabitri Chatterjee. They first worked together in 1951 in the film '' Sahajatri''. They worked in 39 films together which is highest that Kumar worked together, including '' Abak Prithibi'', '' Bhranti Bilash'', ', '' Nishipadma'', '' Mouchak'', '' Dhanyee Meye'' and others.

Radio controversy

Kumar was selected in 1976 to recite the Chandi Path in the All India Radio (AIR) studios. He was criticised by audience members for replacing the role normally served by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Kumar apologised and Bhadra was reinstated.

Philanthropy and activism

Kumar was active in the Indian independence movement. In 1945, he helped Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National army relief fund, arranging a performance of the play '' Anandamath'' and giving the profit of 1700 rupees to . He also engaged in the Kolkata communal riots of 1946.

Uttam Kumar helped poor artists and technicians.
In 1968, he left Abhinetri Sangha and founded his own foundation, Shilpi Sangshad, to help poor artists and technicians. He was president of this organisation until his death. He worked in many films without any salary.

For the 1978 flood, he organised a charity cricket match between artists from the Bengali film industry and the Bombay film industry in 1979. He captained the Bengal team while Dilip Kumar captained the Bombay team.

Personal life

Kumar married Gauri Chatterjee (27 September 1929 – 21 April 1981) in 1948. They had a son named Gautam Chatterjee (7 September 1950 – 2 May 2005). They had a troubled marriage.

He engaged in a relationship with the legendary actress Supriya Devi, and in 1963 they got married. He didn't give divorce to his wife, Gauri.

Many fans were inquisitive about the relationship between Uttam and Suchitra and thought they were together. Rumours arose that they were the reason Kumar had a divorce; however, there is no truth in that, they were both married and had families, and were respectful of each other as colleagues.

His grandson Gourab Chatterjee and his brother's grandson Sourav Banerjee are both actors.

Kumar started his autobiography in 1960–61 as ''Harano Dinguli Mor,'' which is incomplete. Later in 1979–80 he again began his autobiography as ''Aamar Ami, b''ut that was also incomplete due to his sudden death. Later Tarun Kumar finished it, but the original manuscript was stolen on the day Uttam died. Later, a member of ''The Times of India'' found it and published it in Kolkata Book Fair 2010.

Illness and death

On 23 July 1980, he fell ill on the set of '' Ogo Badhu Sundori''. Later that night, while attending his friend's party, he fell severely ill at around midnight. This time, suspecting an attack, he drove himself to Belle Vue Clinic, which was a five-minute drive from his Moira Street residence. At 3:00 am, he was admitted and attended by a medical board composed of eminent cardiologists. He died at 9:35 in the evening of Thursday, 24 July 1980, aged 53. The next day, on 25 July, millions of people gathered on the streets for his last rites and an entire forest became chopped down. Bengali daily newspaper Anandabazar Patrika carried two reports of Uttam's passing away. The headline of one was brief: ''Cholochitre Indrapatan'', which translates to ''Cinema Loses Its Titan''.

Filmography

Awards and recognition

;National Film Award
*1957: Certificate of Merit for Third Best Feature Film In Bengali - '' Harano Sur'' (As producer)
*1961: Certificate of Merit for Second Best Feature Film in Bengali – '' Saptapadi'' (As producer)
*1963: National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali – '' Uttar Falguni'' (As producer)
*1963: National Film Award Third Best Feature Film In Bengali - '' Jatugriha'' (As producer)
*1967: National Award for Best Actor - '' Antony Firingee, Chiriyakhana''

; Bengal Film Journalists Association Award (BFJA)
*1955: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '' Hrad''
*1962: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '' Saptapadi''
*1967: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '' Nayak''
*1968: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '
*1972: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '
*1973: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '' Stree''
*1975: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '' Amanush''
*1976: BFJA Award for Best Actor - '

;Filmfare Awards
*1976: Filmfare Best Actor - ''Amanush'' (Nominated)
*1976: Filmfare Special Award - ''Amanush''

; Filmfare Award East
*1975: Best Actor Award - ''Amanush'' 1974
*1978: Best Actor Award - '' Dhanraj Tamang'' 1978

Honours and legacy

Kumar is regarded as one the greatest actors in Indian Cinema. He dominated Bengali film industry throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s. He is known for his diverse roles and charm. Although Kumar was famously known as a romantic lead, he had an eclectic range of performances. Satyajit Ray stated him as "real star" and said, "There was no other actors at his time to match his popularity and most of his films became successful. There was high casting demand from producers because of the profit opportunities." He was paid ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs (equivalent to ₹95 lakhs to ₹1 crore present) per film.

Several actors who have expressed their admiration to Kumar include Elizabeth Taylor, Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.

;Best quotes for Uttam Kumar
*Satyajit Ray - ''It is the demise of a leading light in the Bengali film industry… There isn’t – there won’t be another hero like him.''
*Dilip Kumar - ''Uttam was the best of our entire lot. A truly clean person.''
*Amitabh Bachchan - ''Uttam Kumar is the original guru. The great actor.''
*Raj Kapoor - ''The smart, modern hero of India.''
*Soumitra Chatterjee - ''If Uttam Kumar committed a crime and then he gave that smile, I was ready to believe he was innocent.''
* Vyjainthimala - ''He was very quiet, and very courteous, lost mostly in his own world.''
*Rajesh Khanna - ''I have watched so many dhuti, kurta-clad Bengalees both on-screen and in reality. But Uttam Kumar as the Bangali Babu is unique. What I believe is that there is no one who can ever represent the Bengali community like Uttamda did.''
*Dharmendra - ''Uttam Kumar is my one of the idol.''
* Suchitra Sen - ''Uttam is my friend. In a word, he is a great, great artist. But still, sometimes I feel as if he is not properly exploited.''
*Tapan Sinha - ''I personally felt that the acting of Uttam Kumar could be compared to the best actor of any country. His great attribute is his diligence. Many are born with talent, but the talent gets eclipsed due to the lack of diligence. Uttam Kumar has both of them. Perhaps that’s the reason why he still sparkles.''
*Prosenjit Chatterjee - ''Uttam jethu was like a family, like an elder brother to my father. The larger than life aura of the man we have never seen when he used to come to our home during those hour long adda sessions. During my teenage days when the entire Bengal could die to get his one glimpse, I was lucky enough to get cuddled by the great personality.''
* Bimal Mitra - ''Sri Uttam Kumar not merely the actor, I regard him as the creator of the character. Maybe as the creator of the character, he has achieved such stupendous popularity.''
* Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay - ''He is the great hero and life of many of my fictions.''

In 2009, the Tollygunge Metro station in Kolkata was renamed as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in his honour. A life-size statue of Kumar has been erected near the station.

The Department of Post released a postage stamp featuring the actor on 3 September 2009, celebrating the 83rd anniversary of his birth.

There is a statue of Uttam Kumar in Tollygunge established in 1993 by the Government of West Bengal. In 2019 at Ahiritola street the birthplace of Kumar another statue was established which inaugurated by the mayor of Kolkata Firhad Hakim. In 2020, on his 94th birth anniversary another statue was situated at Bardhaman town.

In 2012, on his death anniversary, the Government of West Bengal created the Mahanayak Samman Award, named after Kumar, for lifetime achievement in films. This award was first distributed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This program is held on Uttam Mancha every year on his death anniversary.

In Kalighat of Kolkata there is an auditorium named on Uttam Kumar as ''Uttam Mancha.''

In popular culture

Many times in Bengali cinema give a tribute to Uttam Kumar.
* In 1973, the iconic Bengali film Basanta Bilap actor Chinmoy Ray said a dialogue that ''Ekbar bolo Uttam Kumar'' mean ''Say one time I'm Uttam Kumar''. In 2009, Chinmoy Ray directed a film called '' Ekbar Bolo Uttam Kumar'' to tribute him.
* In 2010 a filmed called Ogo Badhu Sundori ( same name of 1981 film) made which directed by Sunanda Mitra also give tribute to Kumar. In the same year, the iconic Bengali film ''Autograph'' directed by Srijit Mukherjee there was a tribute to both Kumar and Satyajit Ray. Later in many film of Srijit, he give tribute to Kumar.
* In 2016, a television series based on Kumar's life, '' Mahanayak'' was made, starring the Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee. *
* In 2019, Mahalaya where actor Jishu Sengupta featured. The film based on his radio controversial Mahalaya incident which was better known as the Mahisasurmardini happened in 1976.
* In 2022, a biopic of Kumar made named as Achena Uttam, starred the Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee.
* The 2024 film '' Oti Uttam'', directed by Srijit Mukherjee, featured Kumar through VFX, using footage of 54 of his films and which marked Kumar returns on silver screen afer 37 years. The film was a hit at the box office.

In London, 25 November 2019, there was a cultural festival held on Uttam Kumar at London auditorium by the foreign Bengali's. This was the first time ever happened.

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumar, Uttam
Bengali male actors
Indian male film actors
Male actors from Kolkata
Male actors in Bengali cinema
Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration alumni
University of Calcutta alumni
Best Actor National Film Award winners
1980 deaths
1926 births
20th-century Indian male actors