Archive · 30 Aug 2026
PM Modi and Bengal CM Adhikari honor Uttam Kumar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered the famous Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on Mann Ki Baat.
He spoke about Kumar before the actor’s birth centenary on September 3.
Uttam Kumar was also called the Mahanayak, meaning great hero, of Bengali cinema.
He acted in movies for more than 30 years.
He also directed films, produced them, composed music and wrote screenplays.
One important movie was Nayak: The Hero, made with Satyajit Ray.
Kumar was also famous for acting with Suchitra Sen.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the tribute made the state proud.
Kumar received the first National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and died in 1980 at age 53.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bengali cinema legend Uttam Kumar during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
Modi praised Kumar’s versatility, emotional depth, dedication and lasting place in audiences’ hearts ahead of his birth centenary on September 3.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari thanked Modi, calling the tribute a matter of pride for the state.
Kumar, born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay in 1926, worked as an actor, director, producer, composer and screenwriter over a career of more than three decades.
His notable work included Satyajit Ray’s Nayak: The Hero, his partnership with Suchitra Sen, and National Film Award-winning performances before his death in 1980.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Uttam Kumar, and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari praised the tribute.
- What
- Modi honored Uttam Kumar’s contribution to Bengali cinema during Mann Ki Baat.
- When
- The tribute was made on Sunday during the 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat, ahead of Kumar’s birth centenary on September 3.
- Where
- The tribute was broadcast through Mann Ki Baat, with Kumar’s legacy discussed in connection with Bengali cinema and West Bengal.
- Why
- Modi highlighted Kumar’s versatility, dedication, artistic legacy and lasting popularity; Adhikari said the recognition was a matter of pride for West Bengal.
- Program
- 137th episode of Mann Ki Baat
- Birth centenary
- September 3
- Birth name
- Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay
- Notable film
- Nayak: The Hero (1966), directed by Satyajit Ray
- Career
- More than three decades as an actor, director, producer, composer and screenwriter
- National award
- First recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, in 1967
- Death
- July 24, 1980, aged 53
