‘Very few like Mahanayak’: Debasree Roy, Antara Chowdhury celebrate Uttam Kumar’s enduring legacy

Veteran actor Debasree Roy said, "As an actress, I realised that there are very few like Mahanayak, who was a modern actor. If the new actors want to learn acting, I would say they should watch Mahanayak's movies. And he was not just an actor, he also used to do shows professionally with a harmonium. Every Bengali New Year, he used to sing to celebrate that day."

Debasree Roy reminiscing the days of Uttam Kumar through the posters exhibited at the birth centenary exhibition of 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

The legendary actor has always held a special place in the hearts of generations, and the event further embraced his legacy through the stories and memories of those who have closely seen him, including actors Debasree Roy, singer Antara Chowdhury and music composer Saikat Mitra, among others.

"It is really an amazing exhibition. I can't imagine how a person could have so much passion, that he preserved all these original posters. I remember September 3 from a very young age, as my father (Shyamal Mitra) was closely connected to Uttam Kumar and he often would invite my father, whenever he was in town, to his special nights and his birthdays," music composer Saikat Mitra added.

(L-R) Singer Antara Chowdhury; Rupak Saha, owner of Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers; actress Debasree Roy; Mohua Chatterjee, daughter in law of Uttam Kumar; music composer Saikat Mitra. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

The luminaries present reflected on Uttam Kumar not merely as an actor but as a star who came to represent an entire era.

The exhibition, organised by Sudipta Chanda, marked the beginning of a series of commemorative events aimed at celebrating different aspects of his life and career.

(L-R) Organiser Sudipta Chanda; Singer Antara Chowdhury; Rupak Saha, owner of Shyam Sundar Co Jewellers; actress Debasree Roy; Mohua Chatterjee, daughter in law of Uttam Kumar. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

Singer Antara Chowdhury added, "I think exhibitions like this should be often arranged. As the new generation nowadays would never know what the legends have gifted us and we need to carry it forward even after them. The films Uttam Kumar has done the music my father (Shalil Chowdhury) has done should be known to generations to come."

As part of the celebrations, it was announced that a special cover would be released from the GPO on September 3 to mark the 100th birth anniversary of 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar.

Antara Chowdhury glancing at one of the posters of 'Mahanayak' Uttam Kumar's film. Photo: Ditsa Dutta

This will be followed by an evening tribute on September 6, which will explore different facets of the actor's life and career rather than being limited to a musical programme.

The celebrations seek to continue Uttam Kumar's connection with audiences beyond a single anniversary, keeping alive the legacy of an actor whose presence remains deeply rooted in Bengali cinema.

(Reporting by Aaheli Chakraborty, Photos by Ditsa Dutta)