Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 24 (ANI): The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, paid tribute to the late Bengali actor Uttam Kumar by unveiling his statue to mark the actor’s death anniversary on Friday.
In the presence of actress Rituparna Ghosh, Ministers and the family members of Uttam Kumar, CM Suvendu Adhikari unveiled a statue, followed by his visit to the actor’s residence in Bhawanipur.
The tribute event was also marked with a musical performance by the artists to commemorate Uttam Kumar’s contribution to Bengali cinema.
CM Suvendu Adhikari also announced that the birth centenary of the Bengali actor Uttam Kumar will be celebrated from September 3 to September 6 this year. It will include several programs and other events.
The Finance Minister of West Bengal, Swapan Dasgupta, remembered Uttam Kumar on the occasion, describing him as an “institution” of Bengali cinema. He expressed his support for the birth centenary celebration of Uttam Kumar.
While talking to the media, Swapan Dasgupta said, “Uttam Kumar was not only an actor; he was an institution. His popularity is unmatched till now. So everyone who watches Bengali cinema has a special place for him in their hearts. Hence, his birth anniversary will mark 100 years this year. A special event should be organised for it.”
Actress Rituparna Ghosh described the birth centenary celebrations of the actor as a “proud” moment for Bengali cinema.
“I think it’s absolutely remarkable and phenomenal that our CM has taken such steps to commemorate Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. It is a matter of pride for us,” said Rituparna Ghosh.
CM Suvendu Adhikari also paid a visit to the Bhawanipur residence of the actor, which had photographs of Uttam Kumar and other accolades.
Uttam Kumar was an Indian film actor who predominantly worked in Bengali cinema and was the most popular film star of Bengali cinema, popularly known as “Mahanayak”. Apart from Bengali, Uttam Kumar also acted in some Hindi films such as “Chhoti Si Mulaqat”, “Amanush”, “Anand Ashram”, “Dooriyaan”, “Bandie” and “Kitaab”.
The actor is known for films like Nayak, Saptapadi, Anthony Firingee, Agni Pariksha, Harano Sur and others. Uttam Kumar was a recipient of many awards over his lifetime, including Indian National Film Award for Best Actor.
The legendary artiste breathed his last in Kolkata on 24 July 1980 at the age of 53. (ANI)
The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.