Archive · 4 Sep 2026
BJP Uses Uttam Kumar Centenary to Expand Bengal Cultural Reach
Uttam Kumar was a very famous Bengali movie star who died 46 years ago.
Many people in Bengal still consider him the greatest Bengali film actor.
The BJP-led government held events in Kolkata to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also released a video message about him.
Several actors and filmmakers from different political backgrounds attended the events.
The government promised a new theatre complex and a film centre named after Uttam Kumar.
The BJP wants to show that Bengali culture and films are important to it.
Earlier, Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress also honoured Uttam Kumar and worked with film-industry personalities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP-led state government marked Bengali star Uttam Kumar’s birth centenary with tributes in Kolkata.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari led a tribute walk and announced a larger theatre complex and the Uttam Kumar Film Centre.
The events brought together actors and filmmakers associated with the BJP, Trinamool Congress, and the broader Tollywood industry.
The BJP’s outreach follows the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Swarup Biswas, who was accused of controlling work opportunities in Tollywood.
The effort echoes Mamata Banerjee’s earlier use of Uttam Kumar commemorations and film-industry figures to build cultural and political support.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, actors, filmmakers, and political parties including the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
- What
- A series of Uttam Kumar birth-centenary tributes, exhibitions, screenings, and planned cultural projects were announced in Kolkata.
- When
- The main events took place on Thursday; the Uttam Kumar Film Centre foundation stone was scheduled for Friday. The centenary celebrations were to continue until September 6.
- Where
- Kolkata, including Tollygunge, Nandan, Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala, and New Town.
- Why
- The BJP is using the tributes to demonstrate the importance of Bengali cultural politics and strengthen its relationship with Tollywood and the public.
BJP’s Cultural Outreach
Trinamool Congress’s Earlier Cultural Claim
Using Uttam Kumar’s legacy
BJP’s Cultural Outreach
The BJP-led government presented the centenary as a major public celebration and announced new institutions and cultural programmes honouring Uttam Kumar.
Trinamool Congress’s Earlier Cultural Claim
Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress had previously honoured Uttam Kumar, arguing that earlier governments, including the Left, had not given him adequate respect.
Relationship with Tollywood
BJP’s Cultural Outreach
The BJP signalled that it wants a more inclusive and supportive film industry, with Suvendu Adhikari saying legislation could be passed to help it.
Trinamool Congress’s Earlier Cultural Claim
The Trinamool Congress had earlier built ties with the industry by bringing well-known film personalities into politics and fielding them in elections.
Political change in the industry
BJP’s Cultural Outreach
The BJP’s influence is described as growing after its Assembly election victory and the arrest of Swarup Biswas, who was alleged to decide who received work.
Trinamool Congress’s Earlier Cultural Claim
The article portrays the Trinamool Congress as having held significant influence over Tollywood for the previous decade, although its current position in the industry is described as weakened.
- Honoured figure
- Uttam Kumar, popularly known as Mahanayak, or “mega star”
- Occasion
- Uttam Kumar’s birth centenary
- Main locations
- Tollygunge, Nandan, Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala, and New Town in Kolkata
- Government plans
- A theatre complex larger than Rabindra Sadan and an Uttam Kumar Film Centre
- Celebration programme
- Film screenings, exhibitions, and guided heritage walks through September 6
- Earlier TMC initiative
- Mamata Banerjee introduced the annual Mahanayak Samman Award in Uttam Kumar’s memory in 2011
- Industry context
- The outreach followed the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Swarup Biswas, who was alleged to control work opportunities in Tollywood