93rd Birth Anniversary: 10 extremely rare photos of Uttam Kumar

Being an ordinary clerk in the Calcutta Port Commission, Uttam Kumar’s early efforts on screen fall 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 heavy storm of fresh air to the new cinema-literate generation at that time. It’s been 38 years without Uttam, but a lot of sweet memories persist - the charming figure whose mesmerizing smile used to lit up the souls and fantasies of generations of women.

On the occasion of the 93rd birth anniversary of ‘Mahanayak’ of Bengali cinema, we bring to you 10 extremely rare photos of Uttam Kumar

This is an extremely rare picture of Uttam Kumar during the recording of a song in ‘Chhoti Si Mulakat’. It shows Jaikishan, Hasrat Jaipuri and others with the matinee idol. The 1967 romantic drama is among the few Hindi films Uttam acted in. Directed by Alo Sarkar, ‘Chhoti Si Mulakat’ starred Uttam Kumar opposite Vyjayanthimala. Interestingly its remake of 1954 Bengali classic ‘Agnipariksha’ which saw Uttam Kumar himself playing lead opposite Suchitra Sen.

Only a few people know this photograph is from the unreleased film Jhankar. Uttam Kumar and Asha Parekh played the lead in this film but sadly it didn’t release due to financial problems. Interestingly, among the other Hindi films in which Uttam Kumar featured, three were with Sharmila Tagore (‘Dooriyan’, ‘Amanush’ and ‘Anand Ashram’). He also acted in Gulzar’s ‘Kitaab’ opposite Vidya Sinha.

There are so many rumours about his disturbed family life but in this rare picture, Uttam Kumar looks an out and out family man at the breakfast table with his wife Gauri Debi and son Gautam. Touted to be the undisputed king of Bengali cinema once, he married Gauri Debi in 1948. Despite some unpleasant stories related to his married life, this picture itself shows how Uttam Kumar used to spend family time.

It’s a rare picture of Uttam Kumar during the shooting of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Chiriakhana’ in which he played the iconic sleuth, Byomkesh Bakshi. Sailen Mukherjee played the sleuth’s sidekick Ajit. The detective thriller failed at the Box Office but won National Awards for Best Direction and Best Actor in 1967. Ray not only directed the film but also wrote the screenplay of ‘Chiriakhana’. The film was based on Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay’s famous literary work.

This picture captures four legends of Bengali cinema Soumitra Chatterjee, Uttam Kumar, Hemanta Mukherjee and Satyajit Ray in one frame. Another renowned actor Dilip Roy can also be seen in this photo which was taken during an important meeting. Although Uttam Kumar worked with Satyajit Ray in two films, Ray was like a mentor Soumitra Chatterjee as acted in as many as 14 films directed by Satyajit Ray.

This picture was taken during the shooting of ‘Bon Palashir Padabali’ (1973) which was directed by Uttam Kumar himself under the banner of Shilpi Sangsad. The romantic drama was based on a novel by Ramapada Chowdhury. ‘Bon Palashir Padabali’ is still remembered as one of finest works by Uttam Kumar. Supriya Devi and his captivating on-screen chemistry left the audience in awe.

It’s been 38 years since Uttam Kumar breathed his last, but for many Bengalee, time perhaps stopped that night on 24 July 1980. No doubt there have been successful stars since then, but if there was ever a ‘nayak’ in the truest sense of the word in Bengali film industry, it’s Uttam Kumar. In fact, just like media coined the famous term ‘superstar’ for Rajesh Khanna, Uttam Kumar came to be known as ‘Mahanayak’ in Bengal. In this picture also he looks stunning while attending a party.

It’s a rare picture of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen attending a program at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata. In the history of Bengali cinema, 50s to the 70s witnessed the rise of an iconic celluloid pair, which literally revolutionized 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 film after film.

It was an exhibition match at Rabindra Sarobar stadium in 1961 to help the flood victims. Uttam Kumar actively took part in that match. Jahar Ganguly too played alongside footballers. Being an iconic figure of the Bengali industry, the celebrated actor used to take part in many social welfares and social awareness programs. Many of the cultural programs arranged by Shilpi Sangsad saw Uttam Kumar performing along with Supriya Devi or Suchitra Sen.

This rare picture was taken during a cricket match in Eden gardens when Raj Kapoor visited Kolkata. 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, the 'Mera Naam Joker' star remained a huge admirer of his talent.