Uttam Kumar centenary celebrations to target veterans and GenZ alike
Times of India | 2 September 2026
Kolkata: To celebrate the birth centenary of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and weave his legendary presence into the everyday cultural rhythm of the city, the state govt’s I&CA department is organising Shatoborshe Mahanayak, a four-day programme from Sept 3 to 6. Aimed at the Mahanayak’s fans and introducing Gen-Z to his body of work, the event offers film screenings, celluloid restorations, walks, discussions, exhibitions, cultural presentations, and musical tributes. Plans are also afoot to restore his films and screen them on celluloid.
Though currently planned only in Kolkata, the year-long celebration will spread across various venues in the state. The announcement was made to the media on Tuesday evening by Purnima Chakraborty, MoS for the department of information, cultural affairs and tourism, in the presence of secretary of state information and cultural affairs Saumitra Mohan, members of the Mahanayak’s family, and prominent film personalities such as Prosenjit Chatterjee, Jeet, Roopa Ganguly, Rudranil Ghosh, Jisshu U Sengupta, Sudeshna Roy, Haranath Chakraborty, Premendu Bikash Chaki, and Suman Banerjee.
Despite the short notice, an official logo has been created, and tram lines, metro stations, and lamp posts have been decked up with his images. “This is an inclusive event involving the seniors from our industry to those from the next generation. We also aim to reach out to the next generation so that they too can be inspired to celebrate his legacy,” Prosenjit said.
Perhaps for the first time, viewers will be awarded if they turn up at the various venues dressed as characters from the Mahanayak’s films. “We will be delighted if someone turns up as Sanyasi Raja,” said Roopa Ganguly.
On Sept 3, “Remembering the Mahanayak” event will begin with floral tributes at Ahiritola and Tollygunge statues, followed by director Sandip Ray unveiling a 20-foot cut-out in front of Bijoli cinema. A tribute walk from Nandan complex via the Academy of Fine Arts, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Birla Planetarium will reach Ektara Mancha for an exhibition on unknown facets of his life, a centenary cake cutting, and a chief ministerial address.
On Sept 4, “The Legacy Continues” event will see the CM lay the foundation for the Uttam Kumar Film Centre in New Town. Nandan I, II, and Radha Studio will open a retrospective with Satyajit Ray’s 'Nayak’. Thanking chief minister Suvendu Adhikari for taking such an initiative, Jeet said, “Revisiting Uttam Kumar’s films is an opportunity to know and learn more.”
Apart from a felicitation ceremony honouring veteran artistes, Rabindra Sadan will also screen the documentary titled 'Mahanayak: A Superstar Journey' and host the release of a special commemorative stamp on the same day.
On Sept 5, “The Actor Through Many Eyes” will see Sisir Mancha hosting two special discussions - “Nayikader Chokhe Uttam Kumar” and “Abhineta Uttam Kumar”. “One of the most important discussions will be about how great an actor he was without limiting him only as a romantic hero,” said Rudranil Ghosh.
The Sept 6 finale at Rabindra Sadan will feature “A Musical Tribute”, a gala song and dance presentation conceived by music directors Debojyoti Mishra and Indraadip Dasgupta to revisit his legacy through new sensibilities.