Uttam KumarBengali cinema's greatest matinee idol Uttam Kumar's birth anniversary on September 3, 2009 was celebrated befittingly in Kolkata. In a tribute to the actor, the Department of Posts, India released a postage stamp. Honorary Governor Sri Gopal Krishna Gandhi, on the release of the first day cover and the stamp, paid rich tributes to the great actor.
Every year in September, when Uttam Kumar was born the denizens of West Bengal celebrate with abandon in tribute to him. All Indian television channels feature his films all through July and then September.
Among the honours that have come his way: His fans have set up the Uttam Mancha, an auditorium for staging plays in South Kolkata, while others have introduced the Uttam Kumar Film Awards in memory of this great actor. And that's not all. Tullygunj where Uttam Kumar spent a large part of his working life boasts of his life size statute. Also the Tullygunj metro station was recently named Uttam Kumar Sarani after him.
Here's the story of Uttam Kumar's eventful life: His name initially was Arun Kumar Chatterji but was changed to 'Uttam' ('the best') when he staged an entry into the world of films. Dristidaan, his first film, was released in 1948. One school of thought has it that he made his debut as an extra in Mayador in 1947. Ironically at the beginning of his film career, he was labelled as 'Flop Master General' because his films flopped often, driving him to despair. He managed to take off in the world of films through sheer grit.
Apart from some of his successful films, Uttam Kumar is also known for his sizzling chemistry with Suchitra Sen from their first film Shaare Chuattar, a tickling comedy, to their last film Priyo Bandhabi. In between they acted jointly in other films like Harano Sur, Saptapadi and Grihadah. The so-called intellectuals labelled him as a 'theatrical actor full of mannerisms', while other detractors claimed that 'He does not know the ABC of acting.' However, he foiled the critics with his stellar performance in Bosu Paribar (1952), directed by Nirmal De. After this first success, he became a star with Agni Parikkha, directed by Agradoot. His last film was Ogo Bodhu Sundari (1980), loosely adapted from My Fair Lady. Following a massive heart attack on the studio floors, he passed away on July 24 at the age of 54. In his three decade film career he had acted in 159 Bengali films.
Uttam Kumar is also known for his performance in such Satyajit Ray films as Nayak and Chiriakhana.
Alongside he acted in a few Hindi movies such as Amanush. For a small period he also acted in professional theatre.
A lesser known side of him is his persona as a director, assistant director, producer, production manager and his role as a singer.
Compiled by Cultural Correspondent
