PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to cinema legend Uttam Kumar on his birth centenary, remembering the superstar whose work continues to resonate across generations.
He died on July 24, 1980. In the reel shared on Instagram, PM Modi put his own voiceover on a series of pictures and videos of the iconic Bengali actor. The montage included scenes from his films and photographs taken during his time in the industry. Film lovers say that Satyajit Ray had written the script of Nayak The Hero by keeping Uttam Kumar in his mind. Ray had shared how Uttam Kumar had played the part with dignity, and incredinle emotional depth. He would work hard to make sure that the character comes alive on screen. “His unmatched legacy needs no certification, it lives vibrantly in the hearts of millions. Our Government remains committed to cherishing and upholding the glorious artistic heritage he gifted to the world,” he wrote. At an event in Kolkata, Adhikari paid floral tributes at the superstar’s statue in Tollygunge alongside prominent artist from the film industry.
In the reel, PM Modi’s voiceover said in Hindi, “Uttam Kumar was a versatile actor who became a mainstay in the hearts of his audience. The actor also won acclaim for his work in Satyajit Ray’s Nayak and became the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performances in “Antony Firingee” and “Chiriyakhana”, his second film with Ray and featured him as detective Byomkesh Bakshi. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari , who led centenary celebrations in state capital Kolkata, remembered Uttam Kumar for his “magnetic charisma, emotive genius and timeless screen presence”.
