Latest news with #BasuParibar
India.com
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Who is this actor, whose 29 out of 30 films are hits, known as Mahanayak, drove himself to hospital when he faced..., he was...
Before he became a legend, there was a time when a young actor from Kolkata struggled to make a mark in the world of cinema. Despite his good looks and natural talent, his first few films were massive flops. He was mocked by the press, labelled 'flop master general,' and many believed he lacked the spark needed for stardom. But destiny had other plans for this actor who would later rule the hearts of millions. Who was this legendary actor? This story is about none other than Late Uttam Kumar, the iconic star of Bengali cinema who earned the title of Mahanayak. Born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee, he started his film journey in the early 1940s. For the first seven to eight years, none of his films succeeded. But Uttam did not give up. He worked on improving his craft, learning from his mistakes, and staying focused. His turning point came with the 1952 film Basu Paribar, and then with Agni Pariksha (1954), which became massive hit and changed his life. With which actress did Uttam Kumar give back-to-back hits? One of the biggest reasons behind Uttam Kumar's success was his chemistry with Suchitra Sen. Their on-screen pair became iconic and remains unmatched in Bengali cinema. They delivered 29 hit films together, including Harano Sur, Saptapadi, and Shilpi. Their romantic dramas were not only commercially successful but emotionally rich, earning them a loyal fan base. Uttam wasn't just a romantic hero. He was a brilliant actor who could perform in intense dramas, comedies, and thrillers. His talent caught the attention of legendary filmmaker Late Satyajit Ray, who cast him in Nayak (1966), a film that showcased the emotional journey of a superstar. Uttam's performance in this film earned him critical acclaim even outside Bengal and made him a national icon. Despite his stardom, Uttam Kumar remained grounded. He had a passion for theatre and often returned to the stage. He was also involved in singing, producing, and directing. However, his personal life was filled with ups and downs, including a failed marriage and health issues. When Uttam Kumar drove himself to hospital On 23 July 1980, Uttam Kumar suffered chest pain during the shooting of the film Ogo Bodhu Shundori. He drove himself to the hospital. Despite treatment, he passed away the next day on 24 July 1980 at the age of 53. The city of Kolkata came to a standstill during his funeral. His contribution to cinema was so immense that the Tollygunge Film Studio in Kolkata was later named Uttam Mancha in his honour.
News18
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
This Actor Was Once Called 'Flop Master General', Later Delivered 29 Hits With Top Heroine
When we talk about Bengali cinema, the first name that comes to mind is Uttam Kumar. Known as the 'Mahanayak' long before Amitabh Bachchan, Uttam Kumar left a lasting mark not just on Bengali films but on Indian cinema as a whole. However, his journey to stardom was far from easy. (News18 Hindi) Uttam Kumar's real name was Arun Kumar Chatterjee. He was born on September 3, 1926, in the Ahiritola area of Kolkata. After completing his education, he briefly worked at the Kolkata Port Trust, but his passion for theatre soon drew him to the world of acting. (News18 Hindi) He made his film debut in 1948 with Drishtidan, which failed at the box office. Unfortunately, it was just the beginning of a rough patch, with six more films flopping consecutively. The failures were so significant that people mockingly labelled him the 'Flop Master General'. (News18 Hindi) But Uttam Kumar didn't give up. In 1952, he bounced back with Basu Paribar, a film that became a box office hit and changed his fortunes. From that point on, there was no looking back. In 1966, his performance in Satyajit Ray's Nayak, where he portrayed a superstar battling inner turmoil, took his career to new heights. The character of 'Arindam Mukherjee' mirrored Uttam's own life in many ways. Satyajit Ray himself praised his acting, calling him a true superstar. (News18 Hindi) His on-screen pairing with Suchitra Sen was legendary in Bengali cinema. The two worked together in 30 films, including Sharey Chuattar, Saptapadi, Amar Prem, and Harano Sur. Remarkably, 29 of these were box office hits. Uttam Kumar once admitted in an interview that he might not have become the star he was without Suchitra Sen by his side. (News18 Hindi) After conquering Bengali cinema, he also ventured into Hindi films. His most acclaimed Hindi film was Amanush (1975), directed by Shakti Samanta, which was released in both Hindi and Bengali. He also starred in films like Anand Ashram, Chhoti Si Mulakat, and Dooriyan. (News18 Hindi) Uttam Kumar was recognised with several prestigious awards for his acting. In 1967, he won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his roles in Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana. In 2009, the Indian Postal Department honoured him with a commemorative postage stamp. Kolkata also renamed a metro station as 'Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station' in his memory. (News18 Hindi) Tragically, while shooting for the film Ogo Bodhu Shundori, he experienced chest pain on July 23, 1980, and drove himself to the hospital. Despite medical efforts, he passed away the next day, on July 24, 1980, at the age of 53. (News18 Hindi) Uttam Kumar's life is a testament to resilience, talent, and the enduring power of cinema. From being written off early in his career to becoming a cultural icon, his journey continues to inspire generations. (News18 Hindi)
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Ekdom heroine lagche, tai na?'
Sabitri Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee, and Lily Chakraborty, three iconic Bengali actresses, recently participated in their first-ever fashion shoot for Calcutta Times. Styled by Abhisek Roy, the actresses embraced the experience, showcasing timeless elegance and grace. Calcutta Times exclusive... Three yesteryear matinee icons –Sabitri Chatterjee, Madhabi Mukherjee and Lily Chakraborty – came together for their very first fashion shoot recently. Draped in six yards of timeless elegance, they stepped in front of the camera for a Calcutta Times exclusive, not just as evergreen stars, but as women who continue to redefine grace on their own terms. Back in the day, we got to see our costumes only on set. Look tests happened only in Satyajit Ray or Rituparno Ghosh films – Lily Chakraborty I've spent decades in front of the camera, but this shoot was different. It was fun. In my younger days, I used to love decking up – Sabitri Chatterjee I loved wearing white printed cotton saris, available for only ₹16 back then, with a white blouse. Later, I moved to silk saris as my earnings grew – Madhabi Mukherjee Glam and grace: A class act by legends Sabitri, Madhabi & Lily 'It was both challenging and heartwarming to get all the three legendary actors on board,' says designer Abhisek Roy, who styled Sabitri, Lily and Madhabi for the shoot. 'They trusted my aesthetics completely, and I had to live up to their expectations. Seeing them embrace the makeover and love how they looked was gratifying.' One look at the pictures, and who would say they're doing this for the first time? Mustard oil was an important part of my skincare routine : Sabitri Chatterjee 'This was my first time at a fashion shoot,' says Sabitri, who has starred in innumerable Bengali hits such as Basu Paribar (1952), Marutirtha Hinglaj (1959) and Mouchak (1974) . The 88-year-old actress who is still active in the television world, says, 'I used to love dressing up in my younger days, but now feel less inclined. Back then, we wore our own clothes on set that often got ruined. The director decided everything.' She fondly recalls her old favourites: soft cotton saris, matching gold earrings, and dark lipsticks. 'My skincare was just mustard oil before a bath,' she laughs. 'Now I simply use cream. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo ' Actors whose fashion style statement I like: Sadhana and Waheeda Rehman I don't like too much makeup. A bindi and lipstick is my only saaj: Lily Chakraborty 'I've worked with Abhisek and trust his aesthetic sense,' says Lily. 'I just asked him, bhalo lagbe toh amake? Kokhono korini toh ei shob fashion shoot... His assurance gave me confidence.' The actress, known for films like Bhanu Pelo Lottery (1958), Deya Neya (1963) and Inkaar (1977) , reflects on how different things were in her time. 'I've worn my own saris in so many films, and because I'm allergic to costume jewellery, I always wore my own gold pieces.' Her everyday style remains minimal. 'Just a bindi and lipstick is my only saaj.' In her younger days, she used a haldi- milk-besan mix. 'Even at 84, my skin is blemish-free.' Actor's whose fashion style statement I like: Waheeda Rehman and Sharmila Tagore I like the heroine lagche, tai na? – Sabitri Chatterjee Elegance doesn't come with age – it comes with honesty, confidence, and staying true to yourself – Lily Chakraborty Watching the iconic ladies own every frame was nothing short of magical. It was a celebration of legacy, beauty, and strength. It wasn't just a shoot – it was a masterclass in grace, presence and timeless charm – Somnath Roy, photographer All three of them have such beautiful skin even now! What touched me most was how open they were to new things, and the sparkle of joy in their eyes when they saw themselves in the mirror – Abhijit Chanda, makeup artist This shoot has been a dream for a long time. This was an archival shoot, which will be etched in my heart forever. To bring my vision to life with the icons I grew up watching on screen was nothing short of a full-circle moment for me – Abhisek Roy, designer Simplicity has always been my signature –whether in how I dress, carry myself, or approach life – Madhabi Mukherjee The shoot turned out to be fun: Madhabi Mukherjee 'I had no idea what a fashion shoot was all about – I've never done one in my life,' says 83-year-old Madhabi, who needs no new introduction and is best known for her titular role in Charulata (1964) . Some of her other acclaimed films are Mahanagar (1963) and Chhadmabeshi (1971) . 'With so many young, enthusiastic people involved, the shoot turned out to be a really fun experience. Abhisek curated a beautiful look for me.' She smiles, reminiscing how her younger colleague Mousumi Chatterjee used to compliment her saying, 'I want to elegantly wrap into a sari like Madhabi di'. Though she never wore kajal, she always kept lipstick on to keep her lips moisturised. 'Till now, I apply cream and wipe it off. I feel it makes my skin glow. And yes, I always loved wearing gold jewellery.' Actor's whose fashion style statement I like: No one in particular Pics: Somnath Roy; concept, wardrobe and styled by: Abhisek Roy; makeup: Abhijit Chanda; hair: Abhijit Das; jewellery: Tahir; Car courtesy: Anirudha Ghose and Aninda Sardar; Location: Bunaphile
