Uttam Kumar

The Mahanayak of Bengali Cinema

Arun Kumar Chatterjee, popularly known as Uttam Kumar and fondly called the “Mahanayak” (Great Hero) of Bengali cinema, remains one of the most celebrated legends of Indian films. Born on 3rd September 1926 at Ahiritola in North Kolkata, he was affectionately named “Uttam” by his maternal grandmother. Growing up in a culturally vibrant family that ran its own theatre group, he was exposed to acting from a very young age.

Early Life and Education

Uttam Kumar began his schooling at Chakraberia High School and later moved to South Suburban School. His passion for performance emerged early—at just ten years old, he won a trophy for acting in the play Gayasur. In 1936, he founded a drama group named Lunar Club with his friends and performed in Rabindranath Tagore’s Mukut.

Apart from acting, he excelled in sports and physical training, engaging in wrestling, swimming, lathi khela, horse riding, and tennis. He was the swimming champion at the Bhowanipore Swimming Association for three consecutive years.

He passed his Matriculation examination in 1942 and joined Government Commercial College during the height of the Swadeshi movement. A gifted singer from childhood, he received vocal training under Nidanbondhu Bandhopadhyay.

Struggles and Entry into Cinema

After pursuing higher studies at Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration, financial constraints led him to take up a job as a cashier at the Port Commissioner’s office in Kidderpore in 1944. To supplement his income, he also gave singing lessons.

During this time, he remained deeply involved with amateur theatre and aspired to work in the Tollygunge film studios. His first film appearance was in Mayador, which was never released. His first released film was Drishtidan, directed by Nitin Bose.

However, his breakthrough came with Sare Chuattor, where he starred opposite Suchitra Sen. Their on-screen pairing became iconic and remains one of the most beloved collaborations in Bengali cinema.

Collaboration with Satyajit Ray

Uttam Kumar delivered unforgettable performances in Nayak (1966) and Chiriyakhana, both directed by Satyajit Ray. In Chiriyakhana, based on a story by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay, he portrayed the legendary detective Byomkesh Bakshi.

In 1967, when the Government of India instituted the National Film Awards for Best Actor and Actress, Uttam Kumar became the first-ever recipient of the Best Actor Award for his performances in Chiriyakhana and Antony Firingi.

Contribution Beyond Acting

Beyond acting, Uttam Kumar ventured into direction and production, contributing significantly to the golden era of Bengali cinema. He worked with prominent directing groups such as Agradut, Agragami, and Yatrik, and later directed and produced films like Bon Palashir Padaboli.

He also appeared in Hindi films including Chhoti Si Mulaqat, Amanush, Ananda Ashram, Kitaab, and Dooriyan. Despite experimenting in Hindi cinema, his towering legacy remained rooted in Bengali films.

Final Curtain and Enduring Legacy

A dedicated workaholic, Uttam Kumar was once said to have wished that he would die while working on a film set. Tragically, this came true. In 1980, while shooting for Ogo Bodhu Shundori, he suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at the age of 54.

Paying tribute, Satyajit Ray remarked:
“It is the demise of a leading light of the Bengali film industry… There isn’t – there won’t be another hero like him.”

In honour of this legendary “Mahanayak,” the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on Uttam Kumar, celebrating his unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema.