Remembering Uttam Kumar: 10 memorable quotes about the ‘Mahanayak’ of Bengali cinema

Being an ordinary clerk in the Calcutta Port Commission, Uttam Kumar’s early efforts on screen fell into such bad weather that he seriously thought of packing-up and returning to his 9-to-5 routine! Interestingly, fate had some other plans. His brand of charismatic acting, in a world dominated by “theatrics”, brought a fresh whiff of air to the new cinema- literate generation at that time. It’s been 38 years without Uttam Kumar, but a lot of sweet memories persist: The charming figure whose mesmerising smile used to light up the souls and fantasies of generations of women.

On his 38th death anniversary, we take a look at 10 memorable quotes about Bengal’s matinee idol by some of the greatest actors, directors and writers.

In the history of Bengali cinema, the 50s to 70s witnessed the rise of an iconic celluloid pair, which literally revolutionised how people would talk about Bengali cinematic romance forever. If you want to give romance a face, the palette would no doubt be filled with Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen’s romantic escapades on celluloid. They used to churn out hit films after films.

“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.”

Uttam Kumar brought in the modern school of acting in Bengali industry and it was the legendary Satyajit Ray who put Bengali cinema on the international map. Ray’s 'Nayak' and 'Chiriyakhana' are believed to be two of the most significant works in the matinee idol’s career. Satyajit Ray's homage to him best summarises Uttam Kumar's undying place in Bengali film industry.

“It is the demise of a leading light in the Bengali film industry… There isn’t – there won’t be another hero like him.”

Who is the finest actor that Bangla cinema has ever produced - Uttam Kumar or Soumitra Chatterjee? It’s an age-old debate which still seeks for a conclusive answer. Many have often declared these two legends as each other's biggest competitor, but the truth is Soumitra Chatterjee has always looked up to Uttam Kumar for his work.

“If Uttam Kumar committed a crime and then he gave that smile, I was ready to believe he was innocent.”

Whenever there was a discussion about Uttam Kumar, Raj Kapoor used to speak highly of the Bengali star. You would be surprised to know that Raj Kapoor offered Uttam Kumar a role in 'Sangam' which was later essayed by Rajendra Kumar as Uttam turned down the offer. Although the two never got the chance to share screen space, the 'Mera Naam Joker' star remained a huge admirer of his talent.

“The smart, modern hero of India.”

Undoubtedly one of the most celebrated Bollywood actors of his era, Dilip Kumar has always been a huge fan of Uttam Kumar's captivating screen presence. On many occasions the legendary actor has said how he used to follow the Mahanayak’s works. On the other hand, Uttam Kumar complimented the 'Sagina Mahato' actor's style and method acting many a time.

“Uttam was the best of our entire lot. A truly clean person.”

Rajesh Khanna, who portrayed the lead role in 'Amar Prem', the Hindi remake of one of Uttam Kumar’s finest films 'Nishipadma', once admitted that he watched ‘Nishipadma’ as many as 16 times. The superstar also revealed he would consider himself lucky if he had achieved at least 50 percent of what Uttam Kumar had delivered in it.

“I have watched so many dhuti, kurta-clad Bengalees both on-screen and in reality. But Uttam Kumar as the Bangali Babu is unique. What I believe is that there is no one who can ever represent the Bengali community like Uttamda did.”

The ‘Mahanayak’ television series, revolving around the life Uttam Kumar, had none other than Prosenjit Chatterjee in the titular role. Who else but Bumbada could have played the revered icon better? So, when Prosenjit appeared as Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, not just his fans, but Prosenjit himself couldn’t hold his excitement because Uttam Kumar was like a family to the Chatterjee family.

“Uttam jethu was like a family, like an elder brother to my father. The larger than life aura of the man we have never seen when he used to come to our home during those hour long adda sessions. During my teenage days when the entire Bengal could die to get his one glimpse, I was lucky enough to get cuddled by the great personality.”

Uttam Kumar has worked under the direction of Tapan Sinha in Bengali cult classics 'Jhinder Bandi' and 'Jotugriha'. When speaking about the iconic figure, the national award winning director once termed Uttam Kumar as an actor belonging to the finest league.

“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’s the reason why he still sparkles.”

The creator of 'Saheb Bibi Golam', the popular novel based on which a Bengali classic was made, was also in awe of Uttam Kumar’s 'Bhootnath' character in the film. The famous Bengali writer went on to praise the actor and his words no doubt best describe what Uttam was all about.

“Sri Uttam Kumar not merely the actor, I regard him as the creator of the character. Maybe as the creator of the character, he has achieved such stupendous popularity.”

Whenever you read his books you would often wonder whether the protagonist looked, talked, and smiled just like the ultimate Bengali matinee idol. If you already have the similar experience, now you know, it’s not completely wrong. The author himself has agreed to the same many times.

“He is the great hero and life of many of my fictions.”