On his latest 'Mann Ki Baat', PM Narendra Modi perhaps surprised many.
He paid glowing tributes to the evergreen film star Uttam Kumar.
"In just a few days, on September 3rd, we will celebrate the birth centenary of the legendary Uttam Kumar. Friends, Uttam Kumar was a versatile actor who became deeply embedded in people's hearts through his acting. Film lovers believe that Satyajit Ray wrote the entire script for the film *Nayak* (The Hero) with Mahanayak Uttam Kumar in mind," he said.
Uttam Kumar's screen performance, charm, popularity, and youthful appeal truly remain fresh and relevant across many generations, never fading with time.
Modi further said:
"Shriman Satyajit Ray had remarked that he (Uttam Kumar) possessed remarkable emotional depth alongside great dignity. He worked very hard to bring his characters to life. Uttam Kumar-ji was known not only for his natural ease but also for his philanthropy.
"His life offers another great lesson: never give up," the Prime Minister said.
"Although his early films did not fare well, he remained focused on his work. It was this dedication that enabled him to reach such great heights. Friends, I recall passing by Uttam Kumar-ji’s house while doing a roadshow in Kolkata.
Someone there even gifted me a photograph of him. I once again pay tribute to the legendary Uttam Kumar-ji; he will forever reign in our hearts," Modi said.
“Mahanayak Uttam Kumar cheerodin maanusher hridaye Raj Korben," he added.
Film 'Haranu Sur' was made in 1957 and the storyline and the performance of Uttam Kumar and genius acrtess Suchitra Sen can still mesmerize the audience. As my friends and fellow admirers would often say -- Uttam Kumar's charm as a star as he "forgets" his wife following an illness is portrayed very powerfully.
The performances, chemistry and plot everything appear absolutely appropriate. Uttam Kumar's performance in several Bengali films with Suchitra Sen and others had strong points musical, hypnotic and a sort of mythic romance.
The non-literal, non verbal imagery to convey the depth of the emotions was always magical and breathtaking.
In 'Haranu Sur' - Uttam Kumar struggling to remember his days with wife and she (of course the beautiful Suchitra Sen) plays the piano during the birthday party --- is my all-time favourite.
Born Arun Kumar Chattopadhyay in 1926, Uttam Kumar is widely remembered as the Mahanayak of Bengali cinema. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he worked as an actor, director, producer, composer and screenwriter.
In 1967, Uttam Kumar became the first recipient of the National Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, recognised for his performances in 'Antony Firingee' and Satyajit Ray’s 'Chiriyakhana'.
Uttam Kumar died of a heart attack on July 24, 1980, aged 53.
We were in Mizoram (Lunglei) those days. I still remember our Manipuri teacher Singh Sir (from Silchar) who spoke and understood Bangla very well told me and my brother - "Ki holo, Uttar Kumar is dead".
This perhaps reflects Uttam Kumar's popularity and fan following. We - two siblings- might not have cared or knew how popular as a film star, he was. But later within few days - I found my mother indulging in debate and discussions about Uttam Kumar-Suchitra magical pair with dad and other colleagues of his.
"Saptapadi" - also showing iconic screen partnership of Uttam and Suchitra was my father's favourite.
Mom liked films such as 'Grihadaha', 'Mouchak' and 'Dhonyi Meye'. Jaya Bachchan too performed in 'Dhonyi Meye' playing as wife of Uttam Kumar's younger brother's wife.
'Mouchak' had popular musical number - "Besh korechhi Prem Korecchi korboi toh (I have fallen in love, it's my wish and I will keep doing so)".
PM Modi making a reference to Uttam Kumar has a modest political overtone vis-a-vis BJP's cultural connect with Bengali icons.
The saffron party has for years been talking about Bengali icons to try and win over the state’s culture-proud voters.
This was more relevant when Mamata Banerjee, now ousted, usd to campaign to paint the Lotus party as a band of “outsiders”.
The story is half-complete in politics always.
The BJP has 'conquered' West Bengal but there are future electoral battles too. Come to think of it, in 2029 - when Modi (if at all he contests yet again) will go for his fourth Prime Ministership in a row; all those could be relevant.
Well many say, Uttam Kumar is an "easy" and yet very popular figure for the Sangh Parivar or the BJP to try and appropriate.
Nevertheless, some also say - Born an Chattopadhyay, he was an upper-class, upper-caste Hindu but always steered clear of active politics.
But his sort of universal appeal among countless Bengalis is something to cheer about.
Uttam Kumar acted in more than 200 films including successful Hindi film 'Amanush'. But in Bollywood, he faced immense hurdle and North Indian lobby's hurdles reportedly led by none other than Raj Kapoor.
'Sharey Chuattor' established Uttam and Suchitra Sen as Bengali cinema’s foremost romantic pair, and they went on to deliver hit after hit, from 'Agni Pariksha', 'Harano Sur' and 'Saptapadi' among numerous others.
Modi’s remarks in Mann Ki Baat drew immediate appreciation from Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari.
“It is deeply heartening and a matter of immense pride for all of West Bengal to hear our Hon’ble Prime Minister pay a glowing tribute to the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali Cinema,” Suvendu posted on X.
Uttam Kumar's box office successful project such as 'Ami Shey o Shakha' was made 'Bemisal' many years later starring Amitabh Bachchan (in Uttam Kumar's role) and also Vinod Mehra and Rakhee.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment