<p>As the nation celebrates the 100 years of the legendary Bengali cinema's 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar, tributes continue to pour in for the icon whose legacy has transcended generations. Joining his admirers, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the late actor, remembering his immense contribution to Indian cinema and the impact of his timeless performances in films such as <i>Saptapadi, Harano Sur, Nayak, and Antony Firingee,</i> which continue to captivate audiences even today.</p><h2>PM Modi pays tribute to Uttam Kumar</h2><p>On September 3 (Thursday), PM Modi took to Instagram to share a video of the legendary artist and penned a note for Kumar. In a well-curated montage, PM Modi used his own voiceover, which included scenes from his films and photographs of a versatile actor who earned immense love and respect from the audience and secured a place in the hearts of millions.</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc0K8SXTWpi/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/100-years-of-uttam-kumar-7-films-of-the-mahanayak-every-cinema-lover-must-watch-1788444140330"><strong>100 Years of Uttam Kumar: 7 films of the Mahanayak that every cinema lover must watch</strong></a></p>

<p>The reel was captioned, "In the pre-Instagram days, a Bengali actor held sway over people’s minds. Today is his 100th birthday. My tribute to Mahanayak!" It further continued with PM Modi's voiceover, which heard him saying, "Uttam Kumar was a versatile actor who became a mainstay in the hearts of his audience. Film lovers say that Satyajit Ray wrote the script of Nayak The Hero with Uttam Kumar in mind. Ray shared how Uttam Kumar played the part with dignity and incredible emotional depth. He worked hard to make sure that the character came alive on screen."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He concluded by saying, “With his ease, Uttam Kumar ji was also known for his philanthropy. I recall that when I was doing a roadshow in Kolkata, I passed by his house and was gifted a painting of him by a fan. I want to extend my deepest tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar ji. May he stay in our hearts forever.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-mahanayak-uttam-kumar-on-his-birth-centenary-1788430823404"><strong>PM Modi pays tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary</strong></a></p><h2>About Uttam Kumar</h2><p>Uttam Kumar was one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema and is widely regarded as the greatest star of Bengali films. Born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee on September 3, 1926, the star completed his schooling at South Suburban School in Kolkata and later attended Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration for higher education.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uttam-kumar-statue-sparks-political-storm-in-bengal-mamata-banerjee-faces-fresh-tmc-crisis-1785427944486"><strong>Uttam Kumar Statue Sparks Political Storm in Bengal | Mamata Banerjee Faces Fresh TMC Crisis</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In 1948, he took a step forward in his acting career by appearing in Nitin Bose's film <i>Drishtidan</i>. However, it did not do well, and he made his comeback with the 1953 hit film <i>Sharey Chuattar,</i> in which he first starred alongside Suchitra Sen and became a household name.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over many years, he showcased his screen presence and versatility, earned the title of Mahanayak, and remains an iconic figure in Bengali culture. Kumar acted in over 200 films and delivered several memorable performances in classics such as<i> Saptapadi, Harano Sur, Nayak, and Chowringhee.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Uttam Kumar's contribution to Indian cinema went beyond acting, as he also worked as a producer, director, and playback singer. In 1968, he became the first Indian actor to win the National Film Award for Best Actor for <i>Chiriakhana </i>and <i>Antony Firingee.</i></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his personal life, Kumar married Gauri Chatterjee in 1948 and had one son, Gautam Chatterjee. Due to personal strain, they lived separately but never divorced. Later, in 1963, he started a long-term live-in relationship with actress Supriya Devi and lived with her for 17 years until he passed away on July 24, 1980, at the age of 53, from a heart attack.</p>

As India celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary actor, remembering his immense contribution to Indian cinema and culture.

As the nation celebrates the 100 years of the legendary Bengali cinema's 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar, tributes continue to pour in for the icon whose legacy has transcended generations. Joining his admirers, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the late actor, remembering his immense contribution to Indian cinema and the impact of his timeless performances in films such as Saptapadi, Harano Sur, Nayak, and Antony Firingee, which continue to captivate audiences even today. PM Modi pays tribute to Uttam Kumar On September 3 (Thursday), PM Modi took to Instagram to share a video of the legendary artist and penned a note for Kumar. In a well-curated montage, PM Modi used his own voiceover, which included scenes from his films and photographs of a versatile actor who earned immense love and respect from the audience and secured a place in the hearts of millions.

<p>As India celebrates the 100th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary actor, remembering his immense contribution to Indian cinema and culture.</p>

Uttam Kumar turns 100: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Bengali cinema's Mahanayak

Bengali superstar or Mahanayak Uttam Kumar’s screen presence was so pervasive that he didn't just star in films—he defined an era, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that remains the gold standard of Indian actor-stardom a century after his birth. 

<p>Bengali superstar or Mahanayak Uttam Kumar’s screen presence was so pervasive that he didn't just star in films—he defined an era, leaving behind a cinematic legacy that remains the gold standard of Indian actor-stardom a century after his birth.&nbsp;</p>

100 Years of Uttam Kumar: 7 films of the Mahanayak that every cinema lover must watch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary, remembering him as a timeless icon whose performances continue to connect with audiences across generations. Widely known as "Mahanayak", Uttam Kumar remains one of the most celebrated figures in Indian cinema. Born on September 3, 1926, as Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay, he left an unforgettable mark on Bengali films through a remarkable career spanning decades.


PM Modi pays tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary

A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after the unveiling of a statue of legendary Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar. The statue, inaugurated on the actor's death anniversary, has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many claiming it bears little resemblance to the iconic superstar.

The issue quickly turned political as opposition leaders and even voices within the Trinamool Congress questioned the quality of the statue, calling for it to be replaced. The controversy comes at a crucial time for the Trinamool Congress, which is grappling with internal divisions following a major party split.

Uttam Kumar Statue Sparks Political Storm in Bengal | Mamata Banerjee Faces Fresh TMC Crisis

<p>Veteran Bengali film actress Supriya Devi is no more. The actress suffered a severe cardiac arrest at her residence here early on Friday morning. She was 85.<br />
<br />
Born in 1933, Supriya Devi was known for her work over five decades. She had made her debut in Uttam Kumar-starrer <em>Basu Parivar</em>&nbsp;in 1952 and never looked back after <em>Sonar Harin</em>&nbsp;opposite Uttam Kumar in 1959.<br />
<br />
<em>Chowringhee</em>, <em>Bagh Bandi Khela</em>&nbsp;and <em>Meghe Dhaka Tara</em>&nbsp;were some of the classics she starred in.</p>

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<p>A still from Ghatak&#39;s Meghe Dhaka Tara featuring Supriya Devi and Anil Chatterjee (Others)</p>
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<p>She received the Padma Shri and West Bengal government&#39;s highest civilian award Banga Vibhushan, besides the Filmfare East Lifetime Achievement Award.&nbsp;She is survived by her daughter.<br />
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&quot;Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi). We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans,&quot; West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi) . We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans</p>
&mdash; Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/956741050009206786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who acted with her in <em>Jodi Jantem</em>&nbsp;besides many others, said they had together been in films for many decades.<br />
<br />
Supriya Devi&#39;s contemporary and veteran actress Sabitri Chattopadhyay said, &quot;I cannot believe this news. We regularly talked over phone.&quot;<br />
<br />
West Bengal Power Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay visited Supriya Devi&#39;s residence to pay tributes and said arrangements were being made on behalf of the state government for the last rites.&nbsp;</p>


The actress who featured in films like Meghe Dhaka Tara, suffered a severe cardiac arrest.

Veteran Bengali film actress Supriya Devi is no more. The actress suffered a severe cardiac arrest at her residence here early on Friday morning. She was 85. Born in 1933, Supriya Devi was known for her work over five decades. She had made her debut in Uttam Kumar-starrer Basu Parivar in 1952 and never looked back after Sonar Harin opposite Uttam Kumar in 1959. Chowringhee, Bagh Bandi Khela and Meghe Dhaka Tara were some of the classics she starred in. A still from Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara featuring Supriya Devi and Anil Chatterjee (Others) × She received the Padma Shri and West Bengal government's highest civilian award Banga Vibhushan, besides the Filmfare East Lifetime Achievement Award. She is survived by her daughter. "Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi). We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans," West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet. Very saddened at the passing of legendary actress of Bengal, Supriya Chowdhury (Debi) . We will fondly remember her through her films. Condolences to her family and fans — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 26, 2018 × Legendary actor Soumitra Chatterjee, who acted with her in Jodi Jantem besides many others, said they had together been in films for many decades. Supriya Devi's contemporary and veteran actress Sabitri Chattopadhyay said, "I cannot believe this news. We regularly talked over phone." West Bengal Power Minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay visited Supriya Devi's residence to pay tributes and said arrangements were being made on behalf of the state government for the last rites.

Veteran Bengali actress Supriya Devi no more

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Uttam Kumar turns 100: PM Narendra Modi pays tribute to Bengali cinema's Mahanayak

7 classic Uttam Kumar films that still hold the crown a century later

PM Modi pays tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary

Uttam Kumar Statue Sparks Political Storm in Bengal | Mamata Banerjee Faces Fresh TMC Crisis

Veteran Bengali actress Supriya Devi no more