Uttam Kumar

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For the Indian artist, see Uttam Kumar (artist).
"Mahanayak" redirects here. For the historical novel by Vishvas Patil, see Mahanayak (novel). For the TV show, see Mahanayak (TV series).

Uttam Kumar
Uttam Kumar Indrani (1958).png
Kumar in Indrani (1958)
Born
Arun Kumar Chatterjee

(1926-09-03)3 September 1926
North Kolkata, Bengal Presidency, British India
Died24 July 1980(1980-07-24) (aged 53)
Bhowanipur, Calcutta, West Bengal, India
NationalityIndian
Other namesMahanayak
Alma materUniversity of Calcutta
OccupationActor, producer, theatre director
Years active1948–1980
Works
Filmography
Spouse(s)
Gauri Chatterjee
(
m. 1941⁠–⁠1980)
(
m. 1963⁠–⁠1980)
Children1
Relatives
AwardsFull list

Uttam Kumar (born Arun Kumar Chatterjee; 3 September 1926 – 24 July 1980), popularly known as the Mahanayak,[1] was an Indian film actor, director, producer, singer, composer and playback singer who predominantly worked in Indian Cinema. Through his career, he earned commercial as well as critical success, and he remains as an Indian cultural icon.[2]

Career[edit]

Kumar's career started with the 1948 film Drishtidan. He appeared in over 200 films in his career. One of his lauded appearance was in Satyajit Ray's Nayak (1966). It was widely accepted that Satyajit Ray wrote the script with Uttam in mind. Many people feel the film bears resemblance to Uttam Kumar's own life – the sense of anxiety and restlessness mirrored Uttam's insecurities about his phenomenal success and abiding fear that his superstardom might not last. Uttam made the role of Arindam (Mukherjee) his own and Ray later confessed that if Uttam had refused the film, he would have abandoned it. He worked with Ray the following year in Chiriyakhana (1967).[3]

Uttam Kumar was the first-ever recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performances in Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana in 1967.

He explored new avenues of film-making by trying his hand at production, singing, composing music, screenplay writing and directing. The success of his Indian films as producer — Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Bhrantibilash, Jotugriha (1964), Grihadah — won greatest acclaim. On producing Chhoti Si Mulaqat in 1967, which was a Hindi film starring Uttam and Vyjayanthimala, Uttam almost used up all his savings, since the film had to be shot in colour and was shot in extravagant locations. Both Uttam and Vyjayanthimala had huge hopes associated with the film, but the film was a flop leading to great disappointment for Uttam Kumar. It was later said that this flop was one of the main reasons for triggering the heart attack, which ultimately led to his death.[4] Later, Uttam directed much-lauded films such as Sudhu Ekti Bochhor and Bon Palashir Padaboli. He composed music for the film Kaal Tumi Aleya in which Hemanta Mukherjee and Asha Bhosle sang to his tune.

He came out with an authorised biography Aamar Ami in 1979–80. He had a phenomenal fan base which continues even to this day. In 1960, he started writing an autobiography named Harano Dinguli Mor (My Bygone Days), but could not complete it. Parts of that book were published by the magazine Nabokallol. On the day Uttam died, the original manuscript was stolen. Later, a member from Times of India had found the manuscript and the national library helped to find old editions of Nabakallol and then the incomplete book was finally published in the 37th Calcutta Book Fair. As a singer, he recorded songs for the AIR – All India Radio – and very recently, an album of Tagore songs (Rabindrasangeet) sung by him, has been brought out.[5]

There was a time, when at the heights of his popularity Uttam Kumar was approached to recite the Chandi Path in the All India Radio (AIR) studios. Traditionally this had always been done by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. But there was a huge uproar amongst the audience as to why Uttam Kumar had been chosen instead of Birendra Krishna. Uttam personally met Mr. Bhadra and apologised and from the next year Mahalaya on AIR was again done by Bhadra.[6]

Reruns of his films on television decades after his death are still eagerly watched. Uttam Kumar's time is considered by most as the Golden Era of Bengali cinema.[7]

Uttam-Suchitra combination[edit]

Kumar and Suchitra Sen in Harano Sur

Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen appeared together in many films. Both of them together constituted the evergreen and popular romantic pair of Bengali Cinema till date. Some of Uttam's famous films co-starring Suchitra Sen include Share Chuattor, Agni Pariksha, Shilpi, Saptapadi,[8][9] 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, Alo Amar Alo.[10][11]

Sonar Harin saw Supriya Devi (who would win great accolades for her performance in Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara the following year) play the lead opposite Uttam 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 till 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.[12]

Personal life[edit]

Morgan House Kalimpong Testimonial of Uttam Kumar and Supriya Devi.

Uttam Kumar married Gauri Chatterjee (1929–1981) in 1941. Later, he lived with actress Supriya Devi when he left his home at Girish Mukherjee road in 1963 till his death.[13]

Death[edit]

While filming Ogo Bodhu Shundori in 1980 Uttam Kumar suffered a stroke and was admitted to the Belle vue Clinic. The doctors did their best for 16 hours but he died that night on 24 July 1980 at the age of 53.[14][15]

Filmography[edit]

Main article: Uttam Kumar filmography

Accolades[edit]

National Film Awards
Bengal Film Journalists' Association Awards.
  • 1962: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Saptapadi. Uttam Kumar received the award from the legendary film-maker Debaki Bose.
  • 1967: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Nayak. Attended the Berlin Film Festival as a distinguished guest.
  • 1968: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Grihadaha.
  • 1972: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Ekhane Pinjar.
  • 1973: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Stree.
  • 1975: B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Amanush.

Legacy[edit]

Uttam Kumar in 2009 stamp of India.

Tollygunge Metro station in Kolkata was renamed as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in his honour. There is a theatre (Uttam Mancha) named after him in Kolkata. A life-size statue has been erected near Tollygunge metro station which has recently been renamed after the iconic actor by the Central Railway Ministry.[19] Besides, Shilpi Sansad, the actor's pet project of safegurading the artists especially the poor and the old, is active still. Celebrating the 89th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar, the Department of Posts in 2009, released a series of new postal stamps featuring the actor on them.The Department of Posts also released a brochure on the Uttam Kumar Stamp release with a note that says "Uttam Kumar – The Legend of Indian Cinema". The Government of India on 19 June 2015, released the "UTTAM" Award for Best acting. In the year of 2016, a television series called "Mahanayak" was telecast. It was based on his life.[20]

"It is the demise of a leading light of the Bengali film industry...There isn't – there won't be another hero like him."[21]
"Uttam Kumar was the most gifted actor I ever worked with. His first Hindi film, Chhoti Si Mulaqat, was opposite me in 1967... Uttam Kumar was thoroughly professional, cooperative and lip-synced perfectly, especially on "Aye Chand" and "Tujhe Dekha". He lip-synched songs rendered by Hemant Kumar, Manna Dey and Mohammed Rafi as if he was singing them. I was criticised for Chhoti Si Mulaqat but Uttam Kumar never criticised me"[22]
"If Uttam Kumar committed a crime and then he gave that smile, I was ready to believe he was innocent."
[23]

I will be really ungrateful if I do not make a special mention of late Uttam Kumar, the greatest living actor of my times. He had a divine screen presence with a God gifted smile and dialogue delivery. While shooting for Amar Prem the Hindi Version of Uttam Kumar's Nishipadma, I confessed to director Shakti Samanta, I will consider myself really lucky if I can perform even 50 per cent of what Uttam Kumar did.[24]

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.”[25]

“The smart, modern hero of India.”[26]

“Uttam was the best of our entire lot. A truly clean person.”[27]

“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.”[28]

“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.”[29]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Pothukuchi, Madhavi (24 July 2019). "Uttam Kumar — the 'mahanayak' who defined Bengali cinema for three decades". ThePrint. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  2. ↑ Bollywoodirect (3 September 2018). "Remembering Uttam Kumar, the uncrowned king of Bengali cinema and one of India's most versatile…". Medium. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  3. ↑ "Byomkesh Bakshi". The Telegraph. 7 August 2010. Archived from the original on 23 August 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  4. ↑ "Uttam Kumar: As a Producer". gomolo. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 23 September 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
  5. ↑ Nag, Kushali (20 July 2008). "Living with Uttam Kumar". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 1 August 2008. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  6. ↑ "Reference: Two Legends and Their Lives: Uttam Kumar Suchitra Sen". Learning and Creativity. 13 September 2012. Archived from the original on 27 January 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
  7. ↑ "Beyond the Enigma: Uttam Kumar, the Man and the Mahanayak". The Quint. 3 September 2017. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  8. ↑ Das, Mohua (9 December 2009). "how Saptapadi shattered stereotypes". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 13 February 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  9. ↑ Nag, Kushali; Chattopadhyaya, Sanjoy (16 December 2008). "Saptapadi bike still road-worthy". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  10. ↑ "When the Bhadralok opens his doors to the others". The Telegraph. 27 August 2009. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  11. ↑ "Forever Suchitra". The Telegraph. 21 March 2010. Archived from the original on 25 May 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  12. ↑ Is, India (10 January 2008), "Live-in genes", The Telegraph, archived from the original on 25 October 2012, retrieved 15 August 2010
  13. ↑ "Actor Supriya Devi's legacy was more than just being Uttam Kumar's heroine". dailyo.in. 26 January 2018. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  14. ↑ "Maharaja tomare selam, was the cry". The Telegraph. 20 July 2010. Archived from the original on 28 March 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  15. ↑ "Fadeout of Uttam films". The Telegraph. 24 July 2005. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  16. ↑ "9th National Film Awards". International Film Festival of India. Archived from the original on 2 December 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2011.
  17. ↑ "11th National Film Awards". International Film Festival of India. Archived from the original on 2 May 2017.
  18. ↑ The Times of India, Entertainment. "National Awards Winners 1967: Complete list of winners of National Awards 1967". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  19. ↑ Banerjee, Sudeshna (25 July 2010), "Mamata's day out", The Telegraph, archived from the original on 28 July 2010, retrieved 15 August 2010
  20. ↑ "stamps 2009", India Post, archived from the original on 28 September 2014, retrieved 15 August 2010
  21. ↑ "Uttam Kumar(3 September 1926 ) was a legendary Bengali actor" (PDF). mahanayak.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 November 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  22. ↑ Ranjan Das Gupta (23 July 2010). "Remembering the matinee monarch". The Statesman. Archived from the original on 14 September 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  23. ↑ "Soumitra Chatterjee is bigger than a Ray actor". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  24. ↑ Gupta, As Told to Ranjan Das (19 May 2011). "My First Break - Rajesh Khanna". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  25. ↑ "Suchitra Sen - Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  26. ↑ "Raj Kapoor - Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  27. ↑ "Dilip Kumar - Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  28. ↑ "Tapan Sinha - Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  29. ↑ "Bimal Mitra - Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema". The Times of India. Retrieved 13 July 2021.

External links[edit]

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