Tollywood remembers Uttam Kumar
Kolkata, July 24
The Bengal film industry (Tollywood) remembered Uttam Kumar, the superstar of the Bengali cinema, on his 32nd death anniversary on Tuesday.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award winning actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who was Uttam Kumar's co-star in films like 'Jhinder Bondi' and 'Stree', on his death anniversary, said: "The actor improved his skills everyday. Not that, when he started his career, he was not a good actor. But, he improved himself everyday."
National Award winning director Rituparno Ghosh said: "No doubt that Uttam Kumar is a great actor. Today as a filmmaker, I think that what I should have learnt from the actor was timing. He had a great timing sense."
Remembering Uttam Kumar, Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chattterjee said: "The word 'Mahanayak' (The great hero)' can only be attached to him. He himself was an industry."
"For me, he is one of the greatest actors of all the time. I am a great fan of Uttam Kumar. I have learnt a lot from him," Prosenjit said.
Born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee on September 3, 1926, the actor made his debut in the film 'Drishtidan' by Nitin Bose in the year 1948.
While shooting for his last film 'Ogo Bodhu Shundori' in 1980, the actor suffered a heart attack that led to his death at an age of 54.
The actor received the National Award for his performances in 'Anthony Firangee' and 'Chiriyakhana' in 1967.
The actor featured in few hit films like, 'Saptapadi', 'Maya Mriga', 'Deya Neya', 'Jeeban-Mrityu', 'Dhanyi Meye', 'Mon Niye', 'Sanyasi Raja', 'Nayak' and others.
The actor also acted in few Hindi films including 'Chhoti Si Mulaqat', 'Amanush', 'Anand Ashram', 'Dooriyaan' and 'Kitaab'.
The actors on-screen chemistry with Suchitra Sen has always been admired.
Uttam Kumar's grandson Gaurav is also an actor in the Tollywood.