Uttam Kumar
Uttam Kumar (born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay; 3 September 1926 – 24 July 1980), widely known as the Mahanayak (lit. 'Great actor'), was an Indian film actor, producer, director, screenwriter, composer, and playback singer who predominantly worked in Bengali cinema. His career spanned three decades, from the late 1940s until his death in 1980. Kumar is regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema and also the most popular and successful film star in Bengal.
Uttam Kumar | |
|---|---|
Kumar in Bombay | |
| Born | Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay 3 September 1926 |
| Died | 24 July 1980 (aged 53) Bhowanipur, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Mahanayak |
| Alma mater | Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, producer, director |
| Years active | 1948–1980 |
| Works | Filmography |
| Spouse(s) | Gauri Chatterjee (1948–1963) Supriya Devi (1963–1980; his death) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives |
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| Awards | Full list including Padmashri |
He appeared in over 200 films, including Agni Pariksha, Harano Sur, Bicharak, Saptapadi, Jhinder Bandi, Sesh Anka, Deya Neya, Lal Pathor, Jatugriha, Thana Theke Aschi, Chowringhee, Nayak, Amanush, Bagh Bondi Khela, Ogo Badhu Sundori He produced seven films, and he directed the films Sudhu Ekti Bochor, Bon Palashir Padabali, and Kalankini Kankabati. He also composed music for several of his films.
Kumar was one of the most successful and influential actors in Bengali cinema history. He was the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor for his work in Antony Firingee (1967), and Chiriyakhana (1967). His other awards include the BFJA Best Actor Award and the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He is the namesake of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station in Tollygunge and the Mahanayak Samman Award given by the Government of West Bengal.