Several Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata have paid homage to the renowned Bengali actor Uttam Kumar as part of his birth centenary celebrations. The festivities include themed pandals, rare photographs, and film memorabilia that highlight his significant contributions to Bengali cinema. This initiative aims to educate newer generations about his enduring impact on the film industry.

Among the prominent celebrations is the Bhabanipur Mahapuja Samity, which is marking its 82nd year. The organisation has dedicated its pandal to Uttam Kumar under the theme ‘Mahapuja-e Mahanayak’. This title reflects the actor’s formative years spent in the vicinity of the puja site. The pandal showcases an exhibition of rare family photographs sourced from Kumar’s personal collection, some of which are not available online.

The collection features a photograph of Uttam Kumar as a two-year-old in 1928, alongside his first professional photo with his wife, Gouri Devi, and a touching image of him with his granddaughter, Nabamita. This initiative has been well-received by visitors, who appreciate the intimate glimpse into the actor’s life.

Recreating the Golden Era of Bengali Cinema

Another notable celebration is taking place at the Samaj Sebi Sangha on Lake View Road in Ballygunge, which is also honouring Uttam Kumar’s centenary. The organisers have transformed their pandal into a cinema hall, effectively recreating the ambience of the 1960s and 1970s, a period often regarded as the golden era of Kumar’s career. The puja committee’s office-bearer, Arijit Moitra, stated that the installation includes vintage film posters, lobby cards, and popular songs that encapsulate the essence of that era.

The aim of this immersive experience is to introduce younger audiences to Uttam Kumar’s legacy, allowing them to appreciate his contributions to Bengali cinema. The nostalgic atmosphere is designed to evoke memories of his iconic performances and the cultural significance of his films during that time.

In addition, the Karunamoyee F Block Sarbojanin Durgotsav committee has dedicated its puja to the legendary actor as well. The organisers have invested nearly a year in researching and developing a theme that pays tribute to Kumar. They designed the installation independently, without the assistance of an external theme artist.

Engaging Performances and Displays

The pandal at Karunamoyee features posters from 201 of Uttam Kumar’s 202 films, showcasing the breadth of his cinematic work. Visitors enter through a corridor that represents the address of the actor’s ancestral home in Bhabanipur, with film posters arranged chronologically along the walls. An opening in the corridor, corresponding to his films from the 1960s, is specifically marked as 3 Moira Street, the residence of actress Supriya Devi, with whom Kumar shared a close association during that decade.

At Naktala Nabapally Durga Puja, flex banners featuring the matinee idol, along with stills and scenes from his films, adorn the marquee leading to the pandal. The cultural secretary of the puja committee, Ruchira Chakraborty, announced that a stage adaptation of Uttam Kumar’s hit film ‘Mouchak’ will be presented, alongside a medley of popular songs from his movies. This performance aims to engage attendees and further celebrate the actor’s legacy.

These tributes during the Durga Puja festivities not only honour Uttam Kumar’s contributions to Bengali cinema but also serve to strengthen the cultural fabric of the community, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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