Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Uttam Kumar Statue Becomes Kolkata Icon
A bronze statue of Uttam Kumar, a famous Indian actor, stands in Tollygunge, a part of Kolkata.
It was made by a 86‑year‑old sculptor named Niranjan Pradhan, who worked for almost three years using photos and videos because he never met the actor.
The statue is more than 13 feet tall and has become a beloved landmark.
When it first opened, some people thought it didn’t look like Uttam Kumar, but over time it has become a symbol of the city’s affection for the actor.
Pradhan also talked about a newer statue that he thinks looks too small and not quite right.
Even though he has trouble remembering some details because of age, he still loves sculpting and says it is his life’s work.
The bronze statue of Uttam Kumar, installed in 1993 near Jubilee Park in Tollygunge, is a prominent Kolkata landmark.
Sculptor Niranjan Pradhan, 86, created the statue over nearly three years using photographs and video, and it stands over 13 feet tall.
The statue initially faced criticism for its likeness, but over time it has become an iconic symbol of the city’s love for the actor.
Pradhan has also commented on a newer Uttam Kumar statue at Keoratala, noting its proportions are off and it does not resemble the original.
Despite age‑related memory decline, Pradhan remains committed to sculpting, calling it his life’s work.
- Who
- Niranjan Pradhan, sculptor; Uttam Kumar, actor
- What
- Creation and legacy of the Uttam Kumar bronze statue
- When
- Installed in 1993; sculpted over nearly three years
- Where
- Tollygunge, Kolkata, India
- Why
- To honor Uttam Kumar and celebrate Kolkata’s love for the actor
- Statue name
- Uttam Kumar statue
- Location
- Tollygunge, Kolkata
- Material
- Bronze
- Height
- over 13 feet
- Sculptor
- Niranjan Pradhan
- Year installed
- 1993