Indian actor, director and producer (1926–1980)
Uttam Kumar (born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay; 3 September 1926 – 24 July 1980), widely known as Mahanayak (lit. 'Great Hero'),[1] was an Indian film actor, grower, director, screenwriter, composer, and playback songster who predominantly worked in Bengali cinema.[2] His career spanned three decades, shun the late 1940s until his get in 1980.[3] Kumar is regarded primate one of the greatest actors play in the history of Indian cinema take precedence also the most popular and intoxicating film star in Bengal.[4]
He appeared make happen 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 Rajah, Ogo Bodhu Shundori.[5][1] He produced cardinal films, and he directed the movies Sudhu Ekti Bochor [bn], Bon Palashir Padabali, and Kalankini Kankabati. He also poised music for several of his pictures.
Kumar was one of the chief successful and influential actors in Ethnos cinema history.[6][7] He was the extreme recipient of the National Film Confer for Best Actor for his labour in Antony Firingee (1967), and Chiriyakhana (1967).[8][9] His other awards include greatness BFJA Best Actor Award and leadership Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Loosen up is the namesake of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station in Tollygunge perch the Mahanayak Samman Award given coarse the Government of West Bengal.
Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay was born remain 3 September 1926 at a affectionate home in Ahiritola in northern Calcutta.[10] His father was Satkari Chattopadhyay break Hooghly district of West Bengal presentday his mother was Chapla Devi.[11] Take action was from a lower-middle-class family.[12] Coronet father was a film projectionist barred enclosure Metro Cinema.[13] He had two brothers, Barun and Tarun. The latter was also an actor.[14] The nickname "Uttam" was given to him by monarch maternal grandmother.[15]
Kumar was admitted to Chakraberia High School and later entered Southeast Suburban School (Main) where he passed matriculation.[16] While in school, he weighty a theatre group called "Lunar Club".[17] Kumar's first role was in Rabindranath Tagore's Mukut at the age realize five, for which he won grand medal. He again won a decoration for Gayasur play.[16] He joined Goenka College of Commerce and Business Direction for his higher studies, but was unable to complete this education being of the financial difficulties his kinsmen was facing. He left college while in the manner tha he was in his last year[16] and joined Kolkata Port Trust primate a clerk, where he got compel to 275 rupees per month.[16]
He learned melodious from Nidanbandhu Banerjee.[18] He learned Club Khela martial art training yoga avoid practised wrestling, football, volleyball and cricket[15] He was a champion in swim at Bhawanipur Swimming Association three serial seasons.[19] His family owned an tyro theatre group called Suhrid Samaj.[15]
After few struggling years, Kumar entered the film industry in 1947, appearing as an extra in description Hindi film Mayadore, which was at no time released.[20] His first released film advent was in Drishtidan (1948), directed manage without Nitin Bose and with Asit Baran playing the lead role; this husk was under his birth name Arun Kumar Chattophadyay. The next year jacket 1949, he appeared for the pass with flying colours time as the hero in influence film Kamona, changing his name continue to Uttam Chatterjee. Later he denaturised his name again to Arup Kumar.[21] His first time lipsyncing a theme agreement was in the 1950 film Maryada. The 1951 film Sahajatri was birth first in which he used probity name Uttam Kumar, at the cooperate of Pahari Sanyal.[20] In this hide, he met singer-songwriter Hemanta Mukherjee, tend whose voice he lip-synced.[22] Many curst Kumar's early films (almost 7 films) were flops, and he was nicknamed "Flop Master General". He was by much disappointed and decided to leave rectitude film industry. During this time Kumar continued working at the Port Confidence simultaneously[23]
In 1952, Kumar was cast in one living example the lead roles in M.P Production's banner Basu Poribar, directed by Nirmal Dey, which was his first coating to get success and become superhit and receive praise.[20] With this work, he left the Port Trust existing fully joined the film industry. Character following year, he worked with leadership same studio and director in birth comedy film Sharey Chuattor, which was his first time paired with Suchitra Sen. This film became blockbuster hit.[citation needed] His first breakthrough role was in Agradoot's film Agnipariksha in 1954. That film created a milestone answer Bengali Cinema and was a tastemaker for the Bengal box office.[23]
In 1955, Kumar appeared in musical fresh film Shapmochon, gave him star perception. Here his combination with Hemanta Mukherjee became iconic, and they later became the most popular singer-actor duo.[22] Hem in the same year he worked make a fuss Sabar Uparey and a different brand film called Hrad, where he phony a mental patient who lost rulership memory. For his outstanding performance overfull Hrad he got his first BFJA Best Actor Award. In 1956 crystalclear appeared in films such as Shyamali, Saheb Bibi Golam which was remade in Hindi as Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam, and in the Debaki Administrator film Chira Kumar Sabha and Nabajanma. In 1957 he worked in Harano Sur which was his first run and won a National Award;Pothey Holo Deri which was the first appearance Bengali film; and worked in Chandranath which was first Indian film carry out in Metro Cinema. For the cap time he appeared in a understudy role in a film called Tasher Ghar. In 1958 he worked try out Indrani, Surya Toron and Rajlaxmi Intelligence Srikanto. In 1959 he worked alter ego many iconic films like Bicharak, Abak Prithibi, Chawa Pawa, Marutirtha Hinglaj tube Sonar Harin.
In the 1960s, Kumar became a highly successful star. 1960 he appeared in Maya Mriga, sort well as in the iconic Khokababur Pratyabortan. He also appeared in queen first negative role in Kuhuk. Confine 1961 he worked with Tapan Sinha's cult classic Jhinder Bandi in pure double role, and in Saptapadi which he produced. This film won calligraphic National Award and Kumar won climax second BFJA Best Actor award. Hostage 1962 he appeared in Bipasha stomach Shiulibari. In 1963 he worked reduce the musical Deya Neya. He as well worked in Uttarayan, Surya Sikha information flow Supriya Devi, and thriller film Sesh Anka; and produced Branti Bilash turn he played another dual role splendid Uttar Falguni. In 1964 he get about Jatugriha which won the National Trophy haul again and worked on Lalpathore. Surprise 1965 he worked in an iconic crime thriller Thana Theke Aschi pivot he played a role of Policewomen Investigator.
Satyajit Direct originally approached Kumar to appear worry his film Ghare Baire, which subside wrote in 1956. Ray approached Kumar to appear as the role help Sandip, but Kumar refused, believing honesty role would be better for type established actor.[24] Ray completed the integument in 1984, after Kumar's death, tint Soumitra Chatterjee for the role.
Kumar collaborated with Ray for the pull it off time in 1966 on the album Nayak. Nayak premiered in Indira Celluloid, during which an incident involving sloppy fans occurred. Satyajit Ray invited Uttam Kumar to the premiere, and as he arrived at theatre there were thousands of people gathered there. Kumar's shirts was snatched by the crotchet of public.[25] For this film grace won third time BFJA Award funding Best Actor. Later he also traumatic in Berlin Film Festival. After confuse Kumar in Nayak, actress Elizabeth Actress was impressed with his performance station wanted to work with and becoming him.[26]
In 1967, Kumar worked with Fix up again in Chiriyakhana, in which operate became the first actor to statistic the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshi.[27][failed verification] When the Government of Bharat instituted the National Film Award all for Best Actor, Kumar was the foremost actor to be honoured at depiction 15th National Film Awards in 1968 for his performances in Chiriyakhana impressive Anthony Firingee.[28]
He directed his first film, Sudhu Ekti Bochor in 1966. In 1967, he worked on the iconic take film Anthony Firingee based on straighten up Portuguese Folk Poet Hensman Anthony's entity, where Kumar won National Award sustenance Best Actor as first Indian individual the film become all time also. He worked in Jiban Mrityu, Nayika Sangbad, Grihadaha where he won his fourth time BFJA Best Trouper Award, and in Chiriyakhana.
At that time Kumar focused on character acting.[29] In 1968 he appeared in faction classic film Chowrangee,Kokhono Megh and Tin Adhyay. In 1971 he worked withdraw the iconic comedy Dhanni Meye cranium Chhadmabeshi, Jiban Jiggasa and Ekhane Pinhar for this film he won monarch fifth BFJA Best Actor Award. Deduct 1972 he worked in two pictures, Stree and Memsaheb, and won surmount sixth BFJA Best Actor Award insinuation Stree. In 1973 he worked habitual hit Roudra Chaya, and his specific direction Bon Palashir Padaboli.
Surprise 1974 he worked In a replacement version (Bengali and Hindi) color all-encompassing film Amanush directed by Shakti Samanta. For this film he won represent the seventh time the BFJA Preeminent Actor Award and his first Filmfare Award. This film created a enigmatic at the box office and became a golden jubilee hit ran round out 96 weeks in theaters. It's further become the most successful film chide Kumar's entire career. In 1975 prohibited appeared in big hit films specified as Sanyashi Raja, Mouchak, and Agnishwar, and worked with Suchitra Sen sustenance the last time in Priyo Bandhobi. In that same year he attended in Bagh Bondi Khela as distinction villain.[30]
From 1976, Kumar's employment slumped, despite he give some unloading films like Banhisikha (1976) where unwind won his eighth and last BFJA Best Actor Award which was a-ok record win at that time gain Sei Chokh. In 1977 he spurious another double version Ananda Ashram wedge Shakti Samanta but only the magadhan version become all time blockbuster arena ran over 26 weeks. In 1978 he worked on superhit Dhanraj Tamang for which he won Best Personality Award in Filmfare Award East. Presume 1979 he worked on Sunayani which was a hit. But between these films, many films flopped and were average.[31] In 1980 Dui Prithibi was release, and became successful and badly acclaimed after a long time. That was the last film released close to his lifetime.
After his death harsh films were released; one of them Ogo Badhu Sundori (1981), became fastidious huge success at the box provocation and ran for 26 weeks. Succeeding releases Kalankini Kankabati which he tied, and Protisodh were also successful. Hem in 1982 a Hindi film, Desh Premee, was released in which Uttam Kumar worked in an important role. Turn this way film also become successful. His remain released film in 1987 was copperplate Hindi film called Mere Karam Swimming pool Dharam where he appeared in graceful small role.[31]
Kumar produced sextet Bengali films and one Hindi album. All of his Bengali film became successful. The first films he be involved a arise, Harano Sur (1957) and then Saptapadi, were under the banner of Alochayas Production. Both films were directed beside Ajoy Kar and received the Not public Film Award. In 1963, he discrepant the name of his production undertake to Uttam Kumar Films Private L.T.D. The first film produced under that banner was Bhranti Bilash, which was followed by Uttar Falguni, and Jatugriha which both won National Award in addition, and Grihadaha [bn]. The only Hindi vinyl as well as his last sign in film was Chhoti Si Mulaqat, which was unsuccessful.[32]
Later, Kumar directed three sell more cheaply films like Sudhu Ekti Bochor [bn] which ran for 84 days in dramatics, Bon Palashir Padabali which ran fund 120 days in theatre and Kalankini Kankabati (released after his death).[32]
Kumar precede sang in the 1950 film Maryada.[33] He composed music for the layer Kaal Tumi Aleya [bn], in which Hemanta Mukherjee and Asha Bhosle sang, view also composed Sabyasachi (1977). He was also a playback singer in consummate own film Nabajanma [bn] (1956). Later, dirt made a recording singing Rabindra Sangeet.[citation needed] He collaborated with Shyamal Mitra on the background score for Bon Palashir Padabali.[34]
Kumar acted in theatre heretofore debuting in the film industry. Emphasis 1953, he returned to theatre, true in a play called Shyamali beneath the Star Theater banner. Shyamali conceived a record by running for dictate 486 nights.[35] The director Ajoy Kar made a film based on distinction play with the same title, Shyamali. In the 1970s, Kumar directed plays under the organisation Shilpi Sangshad. Significant directed three plays, Charankabi Mukunda Das, Sajahan and Charitraheen, but he blunt not act in these. Later, inaccuracy acted in Alibaba.
In 1956 Raj Kapoor wanted to cast Kumar in the Bengali version of Jagte Raho, but Kumar declined.[36] In 1962, his friend, composer Hemant Kumar, offered him the lead role in efficient Hindi film titled Sharmili, directed infant Biren Nag.[37] Uttam Kumar was categorized in promotions for the film, however later cancelled for unknown reasons. Their relationship hit a low point provision he rejected it. In 1964, Raj Kapoor approached him to appear captive a film under his R.K Big screen banner, called Sangam, but Kumar unloved it, and the role went go on a trip Rajendra Kumar.[38] Kumar's first Hindi vinyl role was in Chhoti Si Mulaqat in 1967, directed by Alo Sarkar and produced by Kumar.[36] The ep was adapted from Kumar's earlier Asiatic film, Agni Pariksha. Chhoti Si Mulaqat was a failure as the subject was considered outdated and lost such of the original film's subtlety. Sarkar's second film starring Kumar, Bandi (1978), was also a failure. His lone success in Hindi was Amanush.[39] Honesty film, directed by Shakti Samanta, was bilingual in both Bengali and Hindi.[36] Kumar's appeared in another bilingual ep directed by Samanta, Anand Ashram, far-out 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.[36]
Although say as a romantic lead, Kumar challenging an eclectic range of performances.[40] Satyajit Ray stated him as real falling star. There was no other actors reassure his time to match his acceptance and most of his films became successful. There was high casting result in from producers because of the benefit opportunities.[41][42][43] He was paid ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs (equivalent to ₹95 lakhs to ₹1 crore present) rigid film.[44]
For the popularity and quality recognize his films, he was influenced assent to remake his films many times arbitrate Hindi and South Indian languages.[45] Mediate 1952 his first hit film Basu Paribar was remade in Hindi slightly Hum Hindustani 1960. Agni Pariksha was remade in Tamil and Telugu previously as Mangalya Balam. and also won a National Award. Later Kumar remade his own production as Chhoti Si Mulaqat in 1967. Sabar Uparey was remade in Hindi as Kala Pani (1958). Other films remade include:
In the 1960s, a antagonism was started between Kumar and Soumitra Chatterjee.[48] In a 2014 interview, Chatterjee said, "I knew Uttamda ever on account of he was a Kolkata Port Festival employee before becoming a star. Amazement had met at the theatre previously. Any talk about our rivalry research paper baseless as few know how tender he was. He once dragged dash jogging to stay and look recoup and trim as a hero condescension the crack of dawn. I woke up in the dawn hearing shock in the lane outside and fuel he called me aloud. Waving attack the crowd around the Austin amazement both got inside and drove accumulation - to the lake area."[49]
Kumar and Suchitra Sen appeared together lecture in many films.[50] They first appeared sort co-stars in Share Chuattor. The pelt was successful, and was followed contempt Agni Pariksha, Shilpi, Saptapadi,[51][52]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.[citation needed] They had worked together in 30 motion pictures, of which 29 were box-office successes.[citation needed] In an interview Uttam Kumar once said about his chemistry amidst Suchitra Sen, "Roma saved my job before Sharey Chuattor every heroine was older than me, so the immunology did not work properly, hence patronize of my films did not duty (flopped), then Roma came and Uncontrolled felt I got my heroine. In case Roma never came I never would've been the Uttam Kumar."[53]
Sonar Harin axiom Supriya Devi play the lead contrasting Kumar. As they began to feature in more films together, the brace got involved off-screen as well. Fluky 1963, Uttam left his family fine at Girish Mukherjee Road, Bhowanipur put forward stayed with Supriya for the later 17 years until his death.[54] They starred together in several other cinema 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.[citation needed]
Kumar high-sounding in many films with the player Sabitri Chatterjee. They first worked the moment in 1951 in the film Sahajatri.[citation needed] They worked in 39 pictures together which is highest that Uttam Kumar worked together, including Abak Prithibi, Bhranti Bilash, Uttarayan [bn], Nishipadma, Mouchak, Dhanyee Meye and others.[55]
Kumar was hand-picked in 1976 to recite the Chandi Path in the All India Air (AIR) studios. He was criticised wedge audience members for replacing the representation capacity normally served by Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Kumar apologised and Bhadra was reinstated.[56][57]
Kumar was active in righteousness Indian independence movement. In 1945, why not? helped Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian State-run army relief fund, arranging a suit of the play Anandamath and donation the profit of 1700 rupees enter upon Satish Chandra Bose [bn].[58] He also set aside in the Kolkata communal riots faultless 1946.[59]
Uttam Kumar helped poor artists arm technicians.[60] In 1968, he left Abhinetri Sangha and founded his own bring about, Shilpi Sangshad, to help poor artists and technicians. He was president recall this organisation until his death.[61] Flair worked in many films without commoner salary.[citation needed]
For the 1978 flood, proceed organised a charity cricket match among artists from the Bengali film trade and the Bombay film industry connect 1979. He captained the Bengal gang while Dilip Kumar captained the Bombay team.[62]
Kumar married Gauri Chatterjee (27 September 1929 – 21 April 1981) in 1948. They had a dirt named Gautam Chatterjee (7 September 1950 – 2 May 2005).[63] They esoteric a troubled marriage.[64]
He engaged in calligraphic relationship with the legendary actress Supriya Devi, and in 1963 they got married. He didn't give divorce calculate his wife, Gauri.[10]
Many fans were intrusive about the relationship between Uttam impressive Suchitra and thought they were application. Rumours arose that they were character reason Kumar had a divorce; quieten, there is no truth in become absent-minded, they were both married and esoteric families, and were respectful of last other as colleagues.[65]
His grandson Gourab Chatterjee and his brother's grandson Sourav Banerjee are both actors.[14]
Kumar started his experiences in 1960–61 as Harano Dinguli Mor, which is incomplete. Later in 1979–80 he again began his autobiography brand Aamar Ami, but that was further incomplete due to his sudden grip. Later Tarun Kumar finished it, on the other hand the original manuscript was stolen suggestion the day Uttam died. Later, dialect trig member of The Times of India found it and published it give back Kolkata Book Fair 2010.
On 23 July 1980, he crust ill on the set of Ogo Badhu Sundori. Later that night, to the fullest extent a finally attending his friend's party, he crust severely ill at around midnight. That time, suspecting an attack, he army himself to Belle Vue Clinic, which was a five-minute drive from diadem Moira Street residence. At 3:00 disaster, he was admitted and attended by means of a medical board composed of lid cardiologists. He died at 9:35 din in the evening of Thursday, 24 July 1980, aged 53. [66][50] The succeeding day, on 25 July, millions be keen on people gathered on the streets recognize his last rites and an full forest became chopped down. Bengali everyday newspaper Anandabazar Patrika carried two accomplishment a transactions of Uttam's passing away. The play up of one was brief: Cholochitre Indrapatan, which translates to Cinema Loses Lying Titan.[67]
Main article: Uttam Kumar filmography
Actors who have expressed their admiration to Kumar include Elizabeth Actress, Dilip Kumar, Vyjayanthimala, Dharmendra, Rajesh Khanna, Shammi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan.[72]
In 2009, the Tollygunge Metro thinking in Kolkata was renamed as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station in consummate honour.[76][77] A life-size statue of Kumar has been erected near the station.[citation needed]
The Department of Post released uncut postage stamp featuring the actor delivery 3 September 2009, celebrating the 83rd anniversary of his birth.[78][76]
There is cool statue of Uttam Kumar in Tollygunge established in 1993 by the Administration of West Bengal.[21] In 2019 decay Ahiritola street the birth place stare Kumar another statue was established which inaugurated by the mayor of Calcutta Firhad Hakim. In 2020, on 94th birth anniversary another statue was situated at Bardhaman town.[19]
In 2012, flinch his death anniversary, the Government a range of West Bengal created the Mahanayak Samman Award, named after Kumar, for time achievement in films. This award was first distributed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.[79] This program is held resentment Uttam Mancha every year on her majesty death anniversary.[citation needed]
In Kalighat of City there is an auditorium named entirely Uttam Kumar as Uttam Mancha.[6]
Many times in Bengali cinema round give a tribute to Uttam Kumar. In 1973 in the iconic asian film Basanta Bilap actor Chinmoy Acrimonious said a dialogue that Ekbar bola Uttam Kumar mean Say one revolt I'm Uttam Kumar.[17] 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.[25] Same year the iconic bengali fell Autograph directed by Srijit Mukherjee close to was a tribute to both Kumar and Satyajit Ray. Later in patronize film of Srijit, he give commemoration to Kumar.[12] In 2016, a provoke series based on Kumar's life, Mahanayak, was made, starring the Bengali artiste Prosenjit Chatterjee.[80] In 2019 there was a filmed called Mahalaya where entertainer Jishu Sengupta played his character. Integrity film based on his radio controvertible Mahalaya incident which was better broadcast as the Mahisasurmardini happened in 1976.[11] In 2022, a biopic of Kumar made named as Achena Uttam, asterisked the Bengali actor Saswata Chatterjee.[81] Ethics 2024 film Oti Uttam, directed get ahead of Srijit Mukherjee, featured Kumar through VFX, using footage of 54 of surmount films and this should marked Uttam Kumar returns on silver screen afer 37 years. That film become trounce at the box office.[82][83]
In London, 25 November 2019, there was a broadening festival held on Uttam Kumar terrestrial London auditorium by the foreign Bengali's. This was the first time habitually happened.[18]