Uttam Kumar was, is, and will always be a legend

Uttam Kumar—the unparalleled guiding star of acting. Today marks his 45th death anniversary. On this very day in 1980, the life of one of Bengali cinema’s most beloved and unforgettable artists came to an end. But his influence did not fade, nor did the love—he still lives on in every emotional scene on the silver screen, in the hearts of the audience. Uttam Kumar remains a living legend.
His real name was Arun Kumar Chatterjee, but Bengali cinema knows, understands, and loves him as ‘Uttam’.
In countless timeless films such as Saptapadi, Nayika, Harano Sur, Srishti, Antony Firingee, Chiriakhana—he didn’t just act, he became an inseparable part of those stories. His expressive eyes, rhythmic dialogue delivery, respectful demeanor toward his co-stars, and undeniable charm—all of it made him the one and only Mahanayak (Great Hero).
On July 24, 1980, at the age of just 53, Uttam Kumar passed away from a heart attack. At that time, he was shooting for the film Ogo Bodhu Sundari. Though he was taken to the hospital, he could not be saved. His death brought Kolkata to a standstill and broke millions of hearts. An era ended, and a new chapter began—one dedicated to remembering a legend.
Today, on the Great Hero’s death anniversary, a special tribute event was held at the Shilpi Sansad in Kolkata—a platform he himself had founded to support artists in Tollywood. His films were re-screened, and his timeless songs played—Tumi Je Amar, Eto Sukh Soite Pari Na, Jodi Kagojey Lekho Naam—and with it all, it felt as though he was still among us.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a statement: “Uttam Kumar was not just an actor; he is the symbol of Bengali emotion, dreams, and love—a timeless legacy.”
Uttam Kumar gave cinema not just glamour or romance—he gave it a new language, a new standard. His depth of performance continues to inspire new generations. Every year, the West Bengal government honors him by presenting the Mahanayak Samman (Great Hero Award).
Death may claim the body, but never the memories. Uttam Kumar was, is, and always will be—present in every fold of light and shadow in cinema. On this day, we simply say, “Mahanayak, you were… because of you, Bengali cinema became so vibrant.”