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== Filmography == |
== Filmography == |
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See complete article - [[Uttam Kumar filmography]] |
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Revision as of 15:23, 18 August 2010
Uttam Kumar উওম কুমার | |
|---|---|
| File:Mahanayakuttamkumar.jpg Uttam Kumar | |
| Born | Arun Kumar Chatterjee |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, Producer, Director, Music Director, Singer |
| Years active | 1948–1980 |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Spouse | Gauri Chatterjee |
| Children | Gautam Chatterjee |
Uttam Kumar (Template:Lang-bn; 3 September 1926 – 24 July 1980) was one of the most famous names of Indian Bengali cinema.[1] . He was born Arun Kumar Chatterjee in 1926 at Ahiritola, North Kolkata but is widely known as Uttam Kumar and mahanayak meaning the great hero. A cultural icon, he had been an actor, director and producer. [2]
Early life and Family
Uttam Kumar was born in Kolkata in his ancestral house on Girish Mukherjee Road, Bhowanipore. After his schooling in South Suburban School (Main), he went for higher studies in Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration, an affiliated college of the University of Calcutta system. However, he couldn't complete his studies as he started working at the Kolkata Port as a clerk. During this period, he acted for amateur theater groups. His huge joint family had its own theatre group Suhrid Samaj which staged many amateur shows within the community. Uttam Kumar was the eldest among three brothers. His youngest brother Tarun Kumar Chatterjee (screen name Tarun Kumar) acted in many Bengali feature films and was considered an actor of considerable repute. The films in which Uttam Kumar and Tarun Kumar starred together include Saptapadi, Mayamriga, Agnishwar, Deya Neya etc. Uttam Kumar was married to Gauri Chatterjee. Their only son Gautam, a businessman died of cancer. His grandson Gaurav is a Tollywood actor. Pulak Bandyopadhyay, a famous lyricist was his uncle.
Career
Debut and Breakthrough
Uttam's first released film was Drishtidan (The gift of sight) directed by Nitin Bose, though he worked in an earlier unreleased film called Mayador (Embrace of affection). He came into prominence in the film Basu Paribar and his breakthrough film was Sharey Chuattor (74 and a half) with a certain Suchitra Sen.
Stardom and Legacy
Uttam Kumar also acted in some Hindi films like "Chhoti si Mulaqat" (opposite Vyjayantimala Bali), Amanush (with Sharmila Tagore), Ananda Ashram(with Sharmila Tagore), Kitaab and Dooriyaan. But his towering contribution was to Bengali cinema, or Tollywood (as it is primarily located in Tollygunge in South Kolkata). Many of his Bengali films were directed by notable directors or directing groups of the sixties and the seventies, such as Agradut, Agragami, and Yatrik. Arguably, one of his most lauded appearances was in Satyajit Ray's Nayak (film) (The Hero). It has been rumored that Ray wrote the script with Uttam in mind. Many people feel the film is autobiographical to Uttam Kumar's own life - the sense of anxiety and restlessness mirrored Uttam's insecurities about his phenomenal success and abiding fear that his superstardom might not last. Uttam made the role of Arindam his own and Ray later confessed that if Uttam had refused the film, he would have abandoned the film. He worked with Ray again the following year in Chidiakhana (1967) [3]. When the Indian Government instituted the Nation Awards for Best Actor and Actress in 1967, Uttam Kumar was the first ever recipient of the Best Actor Award for his performances in Chidiakhana and Anthony Firangee (1967). He also explored new avenues of filmmaking by trying his hand at production, singing, composing music, screenplay writing and directing. The success of his Bengali films as Producer - Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Bhrantibilash (1963), Uttar Falguni (1963), Jotugriha (1964), Grihadah won Uttam great acclaim. Later in his career, Uttam directed much-lauded films such as Bon Palashir Padaboli.
He also came out with his autobiography in 1979.
He had a phenomenal fan base which continues even to this day[4] . Reruns of his films on television decades after his death are still eagerly watched. Uttam Kumar’s time is considered by most as the golden era of Bengali (West Bengal) cinema.
Filmography
See complete article - Uttam Kumar filmography
| Year | Film | |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Dristidan | |
| 1949 | Kamona | |
| 1950 | Marjada | |
| 1951 | Sahajatri | |
| Nastanir | ||
| O re Jatri | ||
| 1952 | Sanjeevani | |
| Kaar Paape | ||
| Basu Paribar | ||
| 1953 | Sare Chuattor | |
| Lakh Taka | ||
| Bou thakuranir hath | ||
| Nabin Jatra | ||
| 1954 | Maraner Pare | |
| Ora Thake Odhare | ||
| Chapadangar Bou | ||
| Annapurnar Mandir | ||
| Agnipariksha | ||
| Maner Mayur | ||
| Grihaprabesh | ||
| Bakul | ||
| Mantrashakti | ||
| Kalyani | ||
| 1955 | Sabar upore | |
| Raikamal | ||
| Sajher Pradip | ||
| Debatra | ||
| Anupama | ||
| 1956 | Saheb Bibi Golam | |
| Shankr Narayan Bank | ||
| Sagarika | ||
| Chirakumar sabha | ||
| Ekti raat | ||
| Shyamali | ||
| Lakhyahara | ||
| Trijama | ||
| Putrabadhu | ||
| shilpi | ||
| Nabajanma | ||
| 1957 | Harano sur | |
| Prithibi amare chay | ||
| Baradidi | ||
| Surer parash | ||
| Jatra holo shuru | ||
| Tasher ghar | ||
| Punarmilan | ||
| Chandranath | ||
| Abhayer biye | ||
| Pathe holo deri | ||
| Harjeet | ||
| Jeeban trishna | ||
| 1958 | Indrani | |
| Bandhu | ||
| Jouthuk | ||
| Shikar | ||
| Suryatoran | ||
| Rajlakshmi o Srikanta | ||
| Manmoyee girls School | ||
| Daktarbabu | ||
| 1959 | Marutirtha Hinglaj | |
| Chaoa Pawa | ||
| Bicharak | ||
| Sonar harin | ||
| Pushpadhanu | ||
| Goli theke Rajpath | ||
| Khelaghar | ||
| Obak Prithibi | ||
| 1960 | Khokababur Pratyabartan | |
| Hath baralei bandhu | ||
| Mayamrige | ||
| Kuhak | ||
| Rajasaja | ||
| Sakher Chor | ||
| Uttar megh | ||
| Shaharar Itikatha | ||
| Shono baranari | ||
| 1961 | Jhinder bandi | |
| Saptapadi | ||
| Dui bhai | ||
| Sathihara | ||
| Agnisanskar | ||
| Neckless | ||
| 1962 | Bipasha | |
| Kanna | ||
| Siulibari | ||
| 1963 | Bhrantibilash | |
| Suryasikha | ||
| Deya neya | ||
| Nisithe | ||
| Sesh Anka | ||
| Uttarayan | ||
| 1963 | Jaatugriha | |
| Laal pathar | ||
| Momer alo | ||
| Bibhas | ||
| Natun tirtha | ||
| 1965 | Thana theke aschi | |
| Suryatapa | ||
| Rajkanya | ||
| 1966 | Nayak | |
| Sankhabela | ||
| Kaal tumi aleya | ||
| Sudhu ekti bacchar | ||
| Rajadrahi | ||
| 1967 | Nayika sanbad | |
| Chiriakhana | ||
| Anthoni Phiringi | ||
| Jeeban mrityu | ||
| 1968 | Teen adhay | |
| Chowrangee | ||
| Kakhana megh | ||
| Garh Nasimpur | ||
| 1969 | Sabarmati | |
| Maan niye | ||
| Aparichita | ||
| Shuksari | ||
| Kamalata | ||
| Chirodiner | ||
| 1970 | Nishipadma | |
| Bilombito Loy | ||
| Duti mon | ||
| Rajkumari | ||
| Kalankita Nayak | ||
| Manjari Apera | ||
| Nishipadma | ||
| 1971 | Chadma besi | |
| Ekhane pinjar | ||
| Dhyonni Meye | ||
| Jiban jigyasa | ||
| Nabaraag | ||
| 1972 | Memsaheb | |
| Andha Atit | ||
| Biraj Bou | ||
| Alo Amar Alo | ||
| Stree | ||
| Haar Mana Haar | ||
| Chhinnapatra | ||
| 1973 | Sonar Khacha | |
| Bonpalashir Padabali | ||
| Raudrachhaya | ||
| Raater Rajanigandha | ||
| Kayaheener Kaahini | ||
| 1974 | Amanush | |
| Bikele Bhorer Phul | ||
| Raktatilak | ||
| Jadi Jantem | ||
| Alor Thikana | ||
| Jadibangsha | ||
| Rodan Bhara Basanta | ||
| 1975 | Agniswar | |
| Mouchak | ||
| Kajallata | ||
| Ami Se O Sakha | ||
| Nagar Darparne | ||
| Priyo Bandhabi | ||
| 1976 | Banhisikha | |
| Nidhiram Sardar | ||
| Hotel Snow Fox | ||
| Sei Chokh | ||
| Anandamela | ||
| Mombati | ||
| Chander Kachhakaachhi | ||
| 1977 | Ananda Ashram | |
| Sannyasi Raja | ||
| Sabyasachi | ||
| Rajbangsha | ||
| Bhola Moyra | ||
| Sister | ||
| 1978 | Dui Purush | |
| Bandi | ||
| Nishan | ||
| Dhanraj Tamang | ||
| 1979 | Debdas | |
| Srikanter Will | ||
| Samadhan | ||
| Brajabuli | ||
| Sunayani | ||
| Naba Diganta | ||
| 1980 | Dui Prithibi | |
| Raja Saheb | ||
| Pakhhiraj | ||
| Darpachurna | ||
| Aaro Ekjon | ||
| Ogo Badhu Sundari | ||
| Khana Barah | ||
| Pratishodh | ||
| Kalankini Kankabati | ||
| Suryasakkhi | ||
| 1981 | Iman Kalyan |
12 Films With Highest Running Success At Release
1.Sagarika (1956) - 24 weeks 2.Mayamriga (1960) - 18 weeks 3.Nishipadma (1970) - 17 weeks 4.Chadmabeshi (1971) - 18 weeks 5.Stri (1972) - 24 weeks 6.Banpalashir Padabali (1973) - 17 weeks 7.Amanush (1974) - 32 weeks 8.Ami Se o Sakha (1975) - 26 weeks 9.Mouchak (1975) - 17 weeks 10.Sannyasi Raja (1975) - 18 weeks 11.Ananda Ashrama (1977) - 26 weeks 12.Ogo Badhu Sundori (1981) - 23 weeks Late journalist Rintu Mukherjee in his " Khanojonma Uttam" did map out the incredible bankability of this star. From 1947 to 1980, both in Bengali and Hindi, Uttam Kumar acted in 202 films. Among them 39 were blockbusters, 57 were superhits, 57 made profits above the average and the rest flopped.
Awards
- B.F.J.A Best Actor Award for Hrod(1955)
- Recognition from the Government of India for Harano Sur(1957)
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Saptopadi(1961). Uttam Kumar received the award from the legendary film-maker Debaki Bose.
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Nayak(1966). Attended the Berlin Film Festicval as the distinguished guest.
- The very first recipient of the 'Bharat' award in the Best Actor category for both 'Chiriyakhana' and 'Antony Firingi'(1967).
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for 'Grihadha'(1967).
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for 'Ekhane Pinjar'(1971).
- Best Actor award from 'Prosad'magazine for 'Stri'(1973). He received the award from Kanan Devi.
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for 'Amanush'(1974).
- Best Actor Filmfare Award for 'Amanush'(1975).
- He received the Best Actor award for the same film from the Government of West Bengal on January 26, 1975.The price was worth 5000 rupees. Uttam Kumar donated the whole sum to the impoverished artists'fund.
- B.F.J.A Best Actor award for 'Bahnisikha'(1976).
- Best Actor award both from the 'Prosad' magazine and Sanonskritik Sanbadik Sanostha for 'Ananda Ashram'(1977).
Uttam-Suchitra
The on-screen chemistry between Uttam kumar and Suchitra Sen has always been much adored. Some of Uttam's famous films co-starring Suchitra Sen include Saptapadi (Seven Steps) [5][6] , Pathe Holo Deri (Delay on the road), Harano Sur (Lost Music), Chaowa Paowa (Wish and Achievement), Bipasha (Bipasha), Jiban Trishna (Thirst for Life) and Sagarika (Sagarika). [7] [8]
Uttam-Supriya
Shonar Harin (1959) saw Supriya Devi (who would win great accolades for her performance in Ritwik Ghatak's Meghe Dhaka Tara the following year) play the lead opposite Uttam Kumar. As they began to act in more films together, the two got involved off screen as well. In 1963, Uttam left his wife and stayed with Supriya for the next 17 years till his death. They starred together in several other films like Uttarayan, Chirodiner etc. [9]
Death
A workaholic, he was rumored to have said that his preferred demise would be on the floor of a studio, doing what he loved best, acting. Ironically while filming Ogo Bodhu Shundori in 1980, he suffered a cardiac arrest heart attack. Uttam Kumar was admitted to the Belleveue Clinic. The doctors did their best for 16 hours but he passed away that night on July 24, 1980 at the age of 53. As his hearse wound its way across Bhowanipur and finally to the Keoratala Burning Ghat, traffic in Kolkata came to a halt as thousands flocked the streets to pay their respects and have a last glimpse of the legend[10] . [11]
Tributes and Appreciations
There is a theatre (Uttam Mancha) named after him in Kolkata. A life-size statue has been erected near Tollygunj metro station which has recently been renamed after the iconic actor by the Central Railway Ministry. [12] Besides, Shilpi Sansad, the actor's pet project of safegurading the artistes especially the poor and the old, is active still. Celebrating the 83rd birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar, the Department of Posts in 2009, released a series of new postal stamps featuring the actor on them.The Department of Posts also released a brochure on the Uttam Kumar Stamp release with a note that says 'Uttam Kumar – The Legend of Indian Cinema'. [13]
Following are the several distinguished names paying homage to the iconic actor:
"It is the demise of a leading light of the Bengali film industry…There isn't - there won't be another hero like him." -- Satyajit Ray
"I personally felt that the acting of Uttam Kumar could be compared to the best actor of any country. His great attribute is his diligence...Many are born with talent, but the talent gets eclipsed due to the lack of diligence. Uttam Kumar has both of them. Perhaps, that is the reason why he still sparkles." -- Tapan Sinha
"Uttam is my friend. In a word, he is a great,great artist. But still sometimes i feel as if he is not properly exploited." -- Suchitra Sen
"Uttam was a great human being...it can easily be underscored -- actor of his class is a rare kind" -- Shakti Samanta
"...slowly Uttam Kumar got popular. And a fairy tale was born. I was never bothered to know the individual self of the romantic hero of this fairy tale. I would never want to. What if the dream gets shattered! Let the beautiful spell be alive!Long live Uttam Kumar -- The evergreen romatic hero." -- Madhabi Mukherjee
" It feels good to see all praising one. Uttam is one such person...He never had any pose or pretension...God gave him everything but a friend." -- Kanan Devi
" Uttam Kumar,the numero uno hero of Bengal,the most loving." -- Samaresh Basu
" Sri Uttam Kumar is not merely the actor, I regard him as the creator of character.May be as the creator of character,he has achieved such stupendous popularity." -- Bimal Mitra
" He is the hero and life of many of my fictions." -- Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay
" Uttam!An extraordinary artist!The artistic self of Uttam Kumar never dies down!Oh God give him Uttam health,Uttam strength, Uttam longevity(in Sanskrit and in Bengali, 'Uttam' means 'good')-- Ashapoorna Devi
" In Uttam Kumar we have found a director who shows his brilliance on diverse levels." -- Hindustan Standard (on Uttam Kumar's directorial debut)
"Uttam Kumar is my guru. From my childhood, I am a diehard Uttam fan" --Mithun Chakrabarty
"Many think that I have always ben a sharp critic of Uttam Kumars acting.This is not true. I have rarely seen actor of his stature.I have been fan of his acting,his admirer." -- Soumitra Chatterjee
"I have seen so many dhuti,kurta-clad Bengalis both on screen and in reality.But Uttam Kumar as the Bengali babu is unique.What I believe is that there is no one who can ever represent the Bengali community like Uttamda did." -- Rajesh Khanna
"Usually, what we find is that the good-looking guys lack substance,or the reverse.But Uttam Kumar had the both...I have always respected that man...when I was at Pune Film Institute, we used to argue on Dilip Kumar-Uttam Kumar-Raj Kapoor." --Shatrughan Sinha
" My first real meet with Uttam Kumar was in Calcutta and the occasion was the release of 'Jis Desh Me Ganga Bahti Hai'.Hemen Ganguly happened to be th distributor of that film. He used to be the 'common friend' of elder brother( Raj Kapoor) and Uttam Kumar. It was my pleasure to see the two greats together.I was awestruck by the royal gaits of the both...I like Uttam Kumar like any common Bengali." -- Shashi Kapoor
Quotes
" I prefer following my own ways of acting, like the ways we talk, get angry,that kind of natural spontaneous acting. More of portraying a character."
" Sometimes I got scared. So much of accolade -- would they last for long?And that is why I was not ready to get carried away in the waves of admiration. I desire for more work."
" I never fear work. Rather I derive pleasure out of work."
" Films,Shilpi Sansad,then there was the world of my own,my privacy:I was confused.As if my every moment has ben sold..."
" Whenever I set to work,one after the other death news hit me.Again I eased myself by realizing that death is the only truth."
References
- ^ "Of fond memories", The Telegraph, July 24, 2003, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Star struck for Uttam?", The Times of India, July 24, 2010, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Byomkesh Bakshi", The Telegraph, August 7, 2010, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Living with Uttam Kumar", The Telegraph, July 20, 2008, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "how Saptapadi shattered stereotypes", The Telegraph, December 9, 2009, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^
"Saptapadi bike still road-worthy", The Telegraph, December16, 2008, retrieved August 15, 2010
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "When the Bhadralok opens his doors to the others", The Telegraph, August 27, 2009, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Forever Suchitra", The Telegraph, March 21, 2010, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Live-in genes", The Telegraph, January 10, 2008, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "July '80", The Telegraph, July 20, 2010, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Fadeout of Uttam films", The Telegraph, July 24, 2005, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "Mamata's day out", The Telegraph, July 25, 2010, retrieved August 15, 2010
- ^ "stamps 2009", India Post, retrieved August 15, 2010
External links
- Uttam Kumar at cinema section of Calcuttaweb.com
- Uttam Kumar's influence on Bollywood Films
- A Biography
- Another Biography
- Biography, filmography at Calcuttaweb
- Uttam Kumar @ SPICE
- Amar Ami( Autobography of Uttam Kumar)
- Song by Uttam Kumar Himself
- Please use a more specific IMDb template. See the documentation for available templates.