In 1955, Kumar starred in the musical blockbuster “Shapmochon,” catapulting him to stardom. His collaboration with Hemanta Mukherjee became iconic, forming the most popular singer-actor duo.

During the same year, he showcased versatility in films like “Sabar Uparey” and “Hrad,” portraying a mental patient. His exceptional performance in “Hrad” earned him his first BFJA Best Actor Award.

The prolific 1956 saw him in various films, including “Shyamali,” “Saheb Bibi Golam” (remade as “Saheb Biwi Aur Ghulam” in Hindi), “Shilpi,” “Sagarika,” “Chira Kumar Sabha,” and “Nabajanma.”

In 1957, Kumar delivered notable performances in “Harano Sur,” his first production and National Award winner, “Pothey Holo Deri” (the first color Bengali film), “Chandranath” (first Indian film at Metro Cinema), “Prithibi Amarey Chai,” “Jiban Trishna,” and “Tasher Ghar,” where he appeared in a double role.

The following years continued his success with films like “Indrani,” “Surya Toron,” “Rajlaxmi O Srikanto,” and iconic works in 1959 such as “Bicharak,” “Abak Prithibi,” “Chawa Pawa,” “Marutirtha Hinglaj,” and “Sonar Harin.”

In the 1960s, Kumar reached new heights with hits like “Maya Mriga,” “Khokababur Pratyabortan,” where he portrayed a loyal servant, and his first negative role in “Kuhuk.”

1961 brought Tapan Sinha’s “Jhinder Bandi,” a double role cult classic, and the film “Saptapadi,” which he produced, winning the National Award and his second BFJA Best Actor award. The following years continued with films like “Bipasha,” “Shiulibari,” and the musical “Deya Neya.”

His 1963 contributions included “Uttarayan,” “Surya Sikha” with Supriya Devi, the thriller “Sesh Anka” as a murderer, and the produced “Branti Bilash,” featuring a dual role. In 1964, he produced “Jatugriha,” another National Award winner, and worked in “Lal Pathore.” The iconic crime thriller “Thana Theke Aschi” showcased his role as a Police Investigator in 1965.

Uttam Kumar’s journey through the 1960s solidified his status as the most successful star in Bengali cinema.

Collaboration with Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray initially approached Kumar for his 1956 script, “Ghare Baire,” offering him the role of Sandip. However, Kumar declined, suggesting the part would be better suited for an established actor. Ray eventually completed the film in 1984, casting Soumitra Chatterjee for the role.

Their first collaboration occurred in 1966 with the film “Nayak,” premiering at Indira Cinema. A remarkable incident took place during the premiere; a massive crowd gathered, resulting in the frenzy of the public tearing Kumar’s shirts. For his role in “Nayak,” Kumar received his third BFJA Award for Best Actor and attended the Berlin Film Festival. Impressed by his performance, actress Elizabeth Taylor expressed a desire to work and meet with him.

In 1967, Kumar collaborated with Ray once more in “Chiriyakhana,” becoming the first actor to portray the iconic Bengali detective Byomkesh Bakshi. He received the first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor in 1968 for his performances in “Chiriyakhana” and “Antony.”

National Award and different works (1966 – 1975)

In 1966, Kumar showcased his musical talent by composing for “Kal Tumi Aleya,” featuring tunes sung by Hemanta Kumar and Asha Bhosle. He made his directorial debut with “Sudhu Ekti Bochor” and also appeared in films like “Rajdrohi” and the romantic “Shankhyabela.”

1967 saw Kumar’s remarkable work in the iconic biographical film “Anthony Firingee,” based on Portuguese Folk Poet Hensman Anthony’s life. His portrayal earned him the National Award for Best Actor, a first for an Indian actor. During this period, he also contributed to films like “Jiban Mrityu,” “Nayika Sangbad,” “Grihadaha” (winning his fourth BFJA Best Actor Award), and “Chiriyakhana,” marking a focus on character acting.

In 1968, he featured in the cult classic “Chowrangee,” along with “Kokhono Megh” and “Tin Adhyay.” The following year included films such as “Mon Niye,” “Kamallata,” “Aparichito,” and “Sabarmati.” In 1970, he worked on “Nishi Padma” and “Kalankita Nayak.”

1971 brought Kumar’s iconic comedies “Dhanni Meye” and “Chhadmabeshi,” along with “Jiban Jiggasa” and “Ekhane Pinjar.” The latter earned him his fifth BFJA Best Actor Award.

In 1972, Kumar starred in two films, “Stree” and “Memsaheb,” winning his sixth BFJA Best Actor Award for “Stree.” In 1973, he worked on the hit “Roudra Chaya” and directed “Bon Palashir Padaboli.”

1974 marked a significant milestone with the double-version (Bengali, Hindi) color film “Amanush,” directed by Shakti Samanta. Kumar’s stellar performance earned him his seventh BFJA Best Actor Award and his first Filmfare Award. The film set box office records, becoming a golden jubilee hit and the most successful film of Kumar’s career.

In 1975, Kumar continued his success with hits like “Sanyashi Raja,” “Mouchak,” “Agnishwar,” and “Ami Se O Sakha.” He also worked with Suchitra Sen for the last time in “Priyo Bandhobi.” The same year, he played a villainous role in “Bagh Bondi Khela.”

Last years 1976 – 1980s

From 1976, Kumar’s career faced a decline, despite hits like “Banhisikha” (1976), winning his eighth and last BFJA Best Actor Award, a record at that time. In 1977, he starred in Shakti Samanta’s “Ananda Ashram.” The successful “Dhanraj Tamang” (1978) earned him Best Actor at Filmfare Award East. “Sunayani” (1979) was a hit, but many films during this period experienced flops or average outcomes.

In June 1980, “Dui Prithibi” marked a successful and critically acclaimed release after a prolonged period. It was the last film released during his lifetime.

Posthumously, “Ogo Badhu Sundori” (1981) became a huge box office success, running for 26 weeks. Later releases, “Kalankini Kankabati” (directed by Kumar) and “Protisodh,” were also successful. In 1982, the Hindi film “Desh Premee,” featuring Kumar, achieved success. His last release in 1987, the Hindi film “Mere Karam Mere Dharam,” featured him in a small role.

Personal life

Uttam Kumar married Gauri Chatterjee (27 September 1929 – 21 April 1981) in 1948, and they had a son named Gautam Chatterjee (7 September 1950 – 2 May 2005). Unfortunately, their marriage was troubled.

Despite rumors suggesting a connection between Uttam Kumar and Suchitra, they were both married to other individuals and had families. Any speculation about their relationship leading to Kumar’s divorce lacks truth. They maintained a respectful professional relationship as colleagues.

His grandson, Gourab Chatterjee, and his brother’s grandson, Sourav Banerjee, both pursued careers as actors.

In 1960-61, Kumar began his autobiography titled “Harano Dinguli Mor,” which remained incomplete. In 1979-80, he commenced another autobiography, “Aamar Ami,” which also remained incomplete due to his sudden death. Tarun Kumar later finished it, but the original manuscript was stolen on the day of Uttam’s death. It was later recovered by a member of The Times Of India and published at the Kolkata Book Fair in 2010.

Illness and death

On 23 July 1980, while filming “Ogo Badhu Sundori,” Uttam Kumar fell seriously ill. Later that night, at a friend’s party, sensing a health crisis, he drove himself to Belle Vue Clinic, just a short distance from his Moira Street residence. Admitted at 3:00 am, a medical board of eminent cardiologists attended to him. Unfortunately, he passed away at 9:35 in the evening on Thursday, 24 July 1980, at the age of 53. His unexpected death caused mourning among many in Kolkata.

The following day, 25 July, millions gathered on the streets for his last rites, and the entire city mourned. The Bengali daily newspaper Anandabazar Patrika carried two reports on Uttam’s passing. The headline of one succinctly read: “Cholochitre Indrapatan,” translating to “Cinema Loses Its Titan.”

Awards and recognition

National Film Awards:

1. 1957:
   • Certificate of Merit for Third Best Feature Film In Bengali – “Harano Sur” (As a producer)
2. 1961:
   • Certificate of Merit for Second Best Feature Film in Bengali – “Saptapadi” (As a producer)
3. 1963:
   • National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Bengali – “Uttar Falguni” (As a producer)
   • National Film Award Third Best Feature Film In Bengali – “Jatugriha” (As a producer)
4. 1967:
   • National Award for Best Actor – “Antony Firingee,” “Chiriyakhana”

Bengal Film Journalists Association (BFJA) Awards:

1. 1955:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Hrad”
2. 1962:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Saptapadi”
3. 1967:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Nayak”
4. 1968:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Grihadaha”
5. 1972:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Ekhane Pinjar”
6. 1973:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Stree”
7. 1975:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Amanush”
8. 1976:
   • BFJA Award for Best Actor – “Banhisikha”

These awards reflect his consistent excellence and significant contributions to Bengali cinema over the years.

In the Filmfare Award East category:

• In 1975, he won the Best Actor Award for “Amanush.”
• In 1978, he received the Best Actor Award for “Dhanraj Tamang.”