India Post unveils special cover to mark Uttam Kumar's birth centenary

The special cover was unveiled last week to celebrate the legendary actor's life, career and enduring legacy.

The event was attended by Uttam Kumar's iconic co-stars and veteran actresses Sabitri Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee, along with actress Rituparna Sengupta.

The event was hosted by actor Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee.

Sabitri Chatterjee recalls Uttam Kumar's legacy

Veteran actress Sabitri Chatterjee spoke about Uttam Kumar's legendary persona, both as an actor and as an individual.

"I have spoken so much about Uttam Babu in my life that telling anything else would be a lie. I called him a Mahapurush because he is the man for whom that term seems fit. Even though he has died, he is still alive in our hearts," she said.

Chatterjee worked with Uttam Kumar for years in the stage drama Shyamoli, which, she said, drew prominent actors such as Dilip Kumar and Raj Kapoor from Mumbai to watch them perform.

Veteran Co-stars Sabitri Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee attend the Birth Centenary of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. Photo: PR Team  

Madhabi Mukherjee remembers Uttam Kumar the person

Madhabi Mukherjee, who starred alongside Uttam Kumar in films including Agnishwar, Chhadmabeshi and Biraj Bou, recalled their remarkable on-screen chemistry and his generosity towards colleagues.

"Today, Uttam Kumar might not be here with us, but he will always be alive in our hearts. This is because he loved everyone. If a makeup man or crew member had any problem, he was always there to help," she said.

"When actors needed a welfare organisation to voice themselves, Kumar founded the Shilpi Sansad. As a human being, he was also Uttam. The saddest part, I feel, is he never knew the amount of love he received from the world," Mukherjee added.

Rituparna Sengupta on Uttam Kumar's enduring appeal

Actress Rituparna Sengupta spoke about Uttam Kumar's lasting influence and his relevance across generations.

"I feel honoured to be standing on the same stage as the living legends, Sabitri Chatterjee and Madhabi Mukherjee, who have seen Mahanayak not only as an actor but also as a person, and I feel very grateful that the baton of the Shilpi Sansad has been passed on to me," she said.

"Uttam Kumar is a concept, and I believe he will be celebrated even after 100 more years."

Rituparna Sengupta wears a custom saree, paying homage to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. Photo: PR Team

She added that re-runs of Uttam Kumar's films continue to draw audiences to theatres.

"Even to this date, a re-show of any of his films across theatres remains housefull, and that shows the love for him. He is not Bengal's or India's icon; he is an international image revered by the world today," Sengupta said.

She also wore a black-and-white saree featuring images of Uttam Kumar as a tribute to the legendary actor.

Special cover celebrates Mahanayak's cinematic journey

The unveiling of the special cover was accompanied by a short clip showcasing Uttam Kumar's theatrical journey and career, both as an actor and as a person.

The video featured glimpses from his various films and highlighted the diverse characters he portrayed throughout his career.

The event marked 100 years since Uttam Kumar was born on September 3, 1926, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of Bengali cinema's most iconic figures.

(Reporting by Swastik Sarkar, Photos by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)