Uttam Kumar’s 39th death anniversary today

Uttam Kumar is a great actor of Bengali silver screen. After so many years of his death, the enthusiasm of the Bengalis about him did not diminish; rather it has been growing over time. He is none other than Uttam Kumar, the most ever popular and beloved actor in Bengali film industry. Today is his 39th death anniversary. On this day of 1980, he left this earth at only 53 years of age.

This great actor who has taken the Bengali film to the international level was born in Kolkata`s Aahiritola Street on 3 September, 1926. He started his career in Kolkata port but did not finish his graduation. But his performance has enchanted the audience from the fifties to the present days. Hundreds of millions of fans of two sides of Bengal have given him a special position in their hearts till today.

Uttam`s first release was Drishtidan. Although he had grabbed the attention first in "Basu Paribar" but his breakthrough film was `Agni Pariksha’ that began the success of the all-time romantic pair of Uttam Kumar-Suchitra Sen, though they had first paired in `Sharey Chuattor`. The film ran for 65 weeks and established Uttam in the industry.

This hit pair gave a total of 30 films, of these, 29 were hit. Harano Sur, Pathey Holo Deri, Chaoa Paoa, Saptapadi, Bipasha, Jiban Trishna, Sagarika are notable works of this pair. Ajay Kar directed `Harano Sur` earned huge popularity throughout India in 1957, and earned President`s certificate of merit award as well.

Uttam Kumar also acted in several Hindi films. Among his acted Hindi films, Chhoti Si Mulaqat, Amanush, and Mera Karam Mera Dharam are the mentionable ones. He was also a successful director. His directed Kalankini Kankabati, Bon Palashir Padabali and Shudhu Ekti Bachhar prove his success in directing. Uttam Kumar proved himself to be an avid actor by acting in the film Anthony Firangi. He got the National Award for `Antony Firingee` and `Chiriyakhana` in 1967.

Though 39 years have elapsed after the death of this great actor, no one has yet been able to go beyond him. He still rules the Bengali silver screen being an insurmountable personality. On his death anniversary, we remember him with reverence.

Source: dailysun