Mahanayak Uttam Kumar’s 99th birth anniv today

Legendary Bengali film actor Uttam Kumar’s 99th birthday is being be observed today, (Wednesday, September 3). Born Arun Kumar Chatterjee in 1926 in Ahiritola, Kolkata, Uttam Kumar’s journey to becoming the ‘Mahanayak’ was marked by persistence and passion.

Uttam Kumar’s early years in the film industry were challenging. His debut as an extra in the 1947 film Mayador and subsequent appearance in Drishtidan (1948) failed to attract significant attention. His first lead role came in 1949 with Kamona, opposite actress Chabi Roy; however, the film did not succeed at the box office.

Over the next eight years, Uttam Kumar acted in eight films, all of which failed commercially. These setbacks earned him the nickname ‘Flop Master.’ But the turning point came in 1953 with the release of Share Chuattor, a film that marked the beginning of his rise to stardom.

In 1954, Uttam Kumar appeared in 14 films, most of which were successful and further cemented his position as a leading actor in Bengali cinema. His on-screen partnership with actress Suchitra Sen became legendary, captivating audiences and setting a benchmark for cinematic pairings.

Beyond his image as a romantic hero, Uttam Kumar was known for his versatility and relatability — seen as a devoted son, caring brother, and beloved figure to millions. Throughout his prolific career, he acted in nearly 209 films, both Bengali and Hindi, many of which were critical and commercial hits.

Some of his most memorable films include Pathe Holo Deri, Shilpi, Sagarika, Deya Neya, Saptapadi, Agnipariksha, Shohorer Itikotha, Prithibi Amake Chay, Nayak, and Chiriakhana. His contribution to cinema remains unparalleled.

Uttam Kumar passed away on July 24, 1980, at the age of 53, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and cinephiles alike.