Utpal Dutt

Early Life

Born: 29 March 1929
Place of Birth: Barisal, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Bangladesh)

Utpal Dutt began his artistic journey at a young age and soon became one of the most influential figures in Indian theatre and cinema.

Career and Contributions

Utpal Dutt was a multifaceted personality—an actor, director, playwright, and a pioneer of modern Indian theatre. His commanding presence on stage and screen, combined with his versatility, made him a towering figure in Bengali as well as Hindi cinema.

He was widely acclaimed for both serious roles and his brilliant comic performances, which remain memorable to this day.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his prolific career, Utpal Dutt received several prestigious awards, including:

• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1990) for his lifetime contribution to theatre
• National Film Award for Best Actor (1970) for Bhuvan Shome
• Filmfare Award for Best Comedian
  • 1980 – Gol Maal
  • 1982 – Naram Garam
  • 1987 – Rang Birangi
• Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actor (1993) for Agantuk

Later Years and Passing

Died: 19 August 1993
Utpal Dutt remained active and influential in theatre and cinema until his final days, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.

Philatelic Tribute

In honour of his immense contribution to Indian cinema and theatre, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on Utpal Dutt as part of the special series ‘100 Years of Indian Cinema’.