#uttamkumar

[earnonline-posts-blog]

Retaining the memory of the Mahanayak. On the 43rd death anniversary of the original megastar, Uttam Kumar, The Daily Star revisits the enduring legacy of this Bengali icon. The name "Mahanayak" or "megastar," bestowed upon him, perfectly encapsulated his charm, relatability, and charisma that captivated film critics, filmmakers, and audiences alike. Let's delve into the factors that made him the celebrated figure we remember today.

Born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay on September 3, 1926, Uttam Kumar earned his nickname "Mahanayak" through his remarkable career, starring in over 200 films. His unforgettable roles in movies like "Harano Sur," "Bicharak," "Saptapadi," and many others have solidified his status as a cultural icon. Despite the presence of luminaries like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, and Ritwik Ghatak during Bengali cinema's golden age, Kumar opted for the more commercially viable path of a romantic hero. While facing initial struggles in his journey, he eventually won the hearts of the masses.

Uttam Kumar's screen persona, often portraying educated characters, exuded a magnetic self-assurance that resonated with audiences seeking an escape from their social, political, and moral challenges. Though some critics consider his roles somewhat one-dimensional, his ability to connect with ordinary people and offer them a glimmer of hope cannot be denied. He turned his characters into fairy tales that the audience could relate to and find solace in.

While some may question his influence and choices, there's no denying the positive impact he had. Kumar's portrayal of safe, comforting narratives offered a breath of refreshment, hope, and happiness to the ordinary folks of his time. His timeless fashion sense, ranging from formal shirts, ties, and suits to casual kurtas and dhotis, became synonymous with his enduring stardom.

Uttam Kumar became an embodiment of the middle-class imagination, reflecting their aspirations and anxieties like no other figure in Bengali culture. Despite not always adhering to politically correct or reactive stories, his portrayal of relatable characters struck a chord with the masses.

In retrospect, Uttam Kumar's influence remains unparalleled, and his legacy as the uncrowned king of the silver screen endures. His acting prowess, combined with his unique on-screen persona, has firmly etched his name in the hearts of Bengali cinema enthusiasts, immortalizing him as the Mahanayak.

[metaphorwrites]

Nayak: A Dichotomy of Desires

Watching Nayak is an experience of inward exploration. Satyajit Ray’s masterpiece revolves around a reputed film actor Arindam Chatterjee’s (Uttam Kumar) journey from Kolkata to Delhi to collect a prize. He had to travel by train as he could not get a plane ticket at the last moment. In addition, he is concerned about the news report of his drunken brawl with one of his heroine’s husband.…

[bollywoodirect]

Remembering Mahanayak #UttamKumar on his 98th birth anniversary (03/09). Uttam Kumar, born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay on September 3, 1926, and passing away on July 24, 1980, was a multi-talented figure in Indian cinema. Widely revered as the Mahanayak, he was an actor, producer, director, screenwriter, composer, and playback singer, primarily in the Bengali film industry. His illustrious career spanned over three decades, from the late 1940s until his untimely death in 1980.

Kumar's extensive filmography includes over 200 films, with some of his most celebrated works being Agni Pariksha, Harano Sur, Saptapadi, and Nayak. He also produced seven films and directed titles like Sudhu Ekti Bochor, Bon Palashir Padabali, and Kalankini Kankabati. Additionally, he composed music for several of his projects.

Regarded as one of the most influential actors in Bengali cinema history, Kumar was the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor for his roles in Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana in 1967. He also received the BFJA Best Actor Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. His legacy is honored through the Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station in Tollygunge and the Mahanayak Samman Award by the West Bengal government.

Kumar had on-screen chemistry with several leading actresses, but his pairing with Suchitra Sen remains iconic. In 1955, he starred in the musical blockbuster Shapmochon, where every song became a hit, solidifying his legendary status alongside singer Hemanta Kumar. That same year, he won his first BFJA Best Actor Award for his role in Hrad, where he portrayed a man suffering from memory loss.

Throughout the late 1950s, Kumar continued to dominate the box office with hits like Harano Sur, Pothey Holo Deri, and Chandranath. In the 1960s, he maintained his leading star status, delivering hits like Maya Mriga and Saptapadi, for which he won his second BFJA Best Actor Award.

Notably, acclaimed director Satyajit Ray initially wanted Kumar for a role in his film Ghare Baire, written in 1956. However, Kumar declined, feeling the role was better suited for a more established actor. The film was eventually made in 1984, after Kumar's death, with Soumitra Chatterjee in the role.

Kumar first collaborated with Ray in 1966 for the film Nayak. The film's premiere was a significant event; when Kumar arrived, he was mobbed by fans, highlighting his immense popularity. He won his third BFJA Award for Best Actor for this role and even caught the attention of Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, who expressed a desire to work with him.

In 1967, Kumar teamed up with Ray again for Chiriyakhana, becoming the first actor to portray the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshi. When the National Film Awards were instituted by the Indian government, Kumar was the first to receive the Best Actor award in 1968 for his performances in Chiriyakhana and Antony Firingee.

[satyasteel]

Wishing a very happy birthday to the "Mahanayak" of Bengali cinema, from Satya Steel. Your contributions to the film industry are immeasurable. Thank you for your beautiful art. #UttamKumar #BirthdayCelebration #SatyaSteel

[uttamkumar330]

Hamara Neta Kesa Ho || UttamKumar330

[shankarjaikishanfansassnintl]

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ऐ चाँद की जेबाई, तू झूल जा छोटी सी मुलाक़ात 1967 #वैजयंतीमाला #उत्तमकुमार #मोरफी #शंकरजयकिशन #हसरतजयपुरी #shankarjaikishan #ShankarJaikishan #centennialbirthyear2022ofshankar #aichaandkijebaai #shankarjaikishanji #shankarjaikishanduo #UttamKumar #vyajaintimala #ChhotiSiMulaqat1967 https://www.instagram.com/p/ClbQzpxroAG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ronnys-review]

CHAOA PAOA VS CHORI CHORI | UTTAM KUMAR | SUCHITRA SEN | MOVIE REVISION | REACTION | Ronny's Review Link in bio #chaoapaoa #chawapawa #uttamkumarfanclub #uttamkumar #uttamkumarforever #uttamkumaroldbengalimovies #uttam #uttamkumarsoldmovies #uttamsuchitra #uttamkumarfans #rajkapoor #nargis #chorichori #movie #revision #review #reaction #ytfbong #ronnysreview @mahanayak_uttam @mahanayak_uttam_kumar @the.mahanayak @uttamsuchitra18 @uttam.suchitra2021 @bengalqueen.suchitrasen @suchitra.diva @suchitra_sen_admirer @ami_suchitra_sen @rajkapoorfans @rajkapoorsahab @rajkapoor_theshowman (at Kolkata - কোলকাতা My Pride) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPX4Z-blvWx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[banglaamarpran]

''আশ্বিনের শারদপ্রাতে বেজে উঠেছে আলোকমঞ্জীর… '' মহালয়ার ভোরে গমগমে গলার এই স্তোত্রপাঠ ছাড়া কি বাঙালীর পুজোর ঢাকে কাঠি পড়ে? সেই ১৯৩২ সাল থেকে এই ঐতিহ্য চলে আসছে। প্রথমদিকে অবশ্য মহালয়ার বদলে ষষ্ঠীর দিন সম্প্রচারিত হত 'মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী'। প্রবল জনপ্রিয়তার কারণে কিছু বছর পরে ষষ্ঠীর বদলে মহালয়ার দিন থেকে প্রচার শুরু হল। সেই থেকে একই ধারায় প্রজন্মের পর প্রজন্ম ধরে বাঙালী মহালয়ার দিন ঠিক ভোর চারটেয় শুনে আসছে 'মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী'। কেবল একবার ছেদ পড়েছিল এ ধারায়। ১৯৭৬ সালে মহালয়ার ঊষালগ্নে উত্তমকুমারের কন্ঠে বাংলা শুনেছিল 'দেবীং দুর্গতিহারিণীম্' এবং মানুষের হৃদয় জয়ে চূড়ান্ত ব্যর্থ হয়েছিলেন বাঙালীর মহানায়ক। তারপর রেডিও অফিসে প্রবল ভাঙচুর, বিক্ষোভের পর রেডিও কর্তৃপক্ষ বাধ্য হয়েছিলেন ষষ্ঠীর সকালে 'মহিষাসুরমর্দিনী' সম্প্রচার করতে। তবে সেবার মায়ের আগমনীর সুর বেজেছিল বাংলার আকাশে-বাতাসে। কেন এই উন্মাদনা? কি সেই মূর্চ্ছনা লুকিয়ে আছে ঐ মন্ত্রোচ্চারণে? আছে এক দীর্ঘদেহী গৌরবর্ণ মানুষের ভরাট গলার জাদু। তাঁর নাম তো আমরা সবাই জানি। নতুন করে বলার অপেক্ষা রাখে না। তিনি শ্রী বীরেন্দ্রকৃষ্ণ ভদ্র।আজ তার জন্মদিন..... বিস্তারিত জান��ে ক্লিক করুন লিঙ্কে। লিঙ্ক প্রোফাইল বায়োতে.... #birendrakrishnabhadra #BirthAnniversary #1932 #1976 #uttamkumar #mohisasurmardini #News #NewsPortal #Webportal #Digitalmedia #বাঙালি #বাংলা (at KOLKATA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDdDiiRp5co/?igshid=1ryjk3v7ax6nq

[bollywoodmemories]

Remembering Legendary Actor #UttamKumar On His Death Anniversary 🙏🙏 https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBJicOhgTK/?igshid=1ombqpg1xki6t

[ikrishnenduh]

Happy Birthday Mahanayak Uttam Kumar.. 🙏 P.S : Around 12:30 AM received a notification that today is his birth anniversary and I want to wish him through my digital illustration so I made it,in this sketch I just tried to recreates this b/w frame into Colouring.. ✍️ #uttamkumar #mahanayak #birthanniversary #tollywoodactor #legend #kolkatabuzz #kolkatagram #kolkatadiaries #kolkata_igers #kolkataillusion_official #kolkata_igers #kolkatablogger #igkolkata #ig_calcutta #kolkataportraits #kolkatalove #illustration #photoshop (at India) https://www.instagram.com/p/B17PwgEgIIx/?igshid=fz2um3xjzhde

[radiobaksho-blog]

আজকের এই দিনে...... আজ উত্তম কুমারের মৃত্যুবার্ষিকী। তিনি একজন ভারতীয়-বাঙালি চলচ্চিত্র অভিনেতা, চিত্রপ্রযোজক এবং পরিচালক। বাংলা চলচ্চিত্র জগতে তাঁকে 'মহানায়ক' আখ্যা দেওয়া হয়েছে। চলচ্চিত্রে অভিনয় ছাড়াও তিনি সফলভাবে মঞ্চেও অভিনয় করেছেন। আজকের এইদিনে তাঁকে শ্রদ্ধাভরে স্মরণ করছি। #Uttam_Kumar #Uttam #Kumar #UttamKumar #RadioBaksho #music https://www.instagram.com/p/B0SN_7Elct5/?igshid=1ugframk9fso9

[thepaperunit]

গিরিবালা কি পারবে নিজের মান রাখতে? #Manbhanjan premieres 14th June, only on hoichoi. . . . . . #bengalimovies #bengaliwebseries #bestmovies #movietime #kolkatadiaries #movielover #movielovers #movielife #movieclips #uttamkumar #kolkata #cineworld #bengalisongs #oldbengalisongs #mrssanyal #cinematography #vincida #kolkatashortfilms #shortfilmshoot #shortfilm #moneyhoney #bollywoodmemes #sandhyamukherjee . #thepaperunit #thepapermedia https://www.instagram.com/p/Bypmopvl0mT/?igshid=17ua5smtexakw

[uttamkumar330]

During Sunday Shoot #sundayshoot #uttamkumar330 #uk #uttam #uttamkumar #fun #masti #funny #funnyvideos https://www.instagram.com/p/BtWJ8X3FJig/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e9e4royn2hdo

[shankarjaikishanfansassnintl]

Another hit album by #ShankarJaikishan #ChhotiSiMulaqat1967 This was #UttamKumar's debut in #hindifilms, which miserably failed on box office inspite of hit music. There were more reasons for its failure, one of them was the director could not match his talent for making a hindi film. #uttamkumar #vyajayantimala #alosarkar #chhotisimulaqat #shankarjaikishan #shankarjaikishanji #ShankarJaikishan #shankarjaikishanmaestrosofthemillennium #centennialyearofshankarbirthday #centennialbirthanniversary https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck5ujN0P8gE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=