Kolkata, Several Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata have paid tribute to Bengali cinema legend Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary, with themed pandals, rare photographs and film memorabilia.
The collection includes a photograph of the actor at the age of two in 1928, his first professional photograph with wife Gouri Devi, and a cherished moment of him holding his granddaughter, Nabamita. An opening in the corridor, corresponding to his films from the 1960s, is marked as 3 Moira Street, the residence of actress Supriya Devi, with whom the actor moved in during that decade, the organisers said. The Bhabanipur Mahapuja Samity, celebrating its 82nd year, has dedicated its pandal to the actor under the title ‘Mahapuja-e Mahanayak’, recalling his childhood and adolescence spent on the very ground where the puja is being organised. Samaj Sebi Sangha on Lake View Road in Ballygunge is also commemorating the centenary of the actor, popularly known as the ‘Mahanayak’ of Bengali cinema. Vintage film posters, lobby cards, popular songs and memorable dialogues from his movies form part of the installation, aimed at introducing younger generations to the actor’s enduring legacy.
The pandal features an exhibition of rare family photographs sourced from Uttam Kumar’s personal album, including some that are not available digitally on the internet, a committee spokesperson said. Puja committee cultural secretary Ruchira Chakraborty said a stage adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s superhit film ‘Mouchak’ would be presented, alongside a medley of popular songs from his films.
