Kolkata, Sept. 2 -- In a city obsessed with Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, how could Bengal's biggest festival not celebrate the birth centenary of its beloved matinee idol? This year, Uttam Kumar is being remembered not just through films and special screenings, but also through the themes of several Durga Puja celebrations across Kolkata. Mitali Kankurgachi, which is celebrating its 90th year, is paying tribute to the legendary actor with its theme, 'Ekai Eksho'.

Following the khunti puja, the committee organised a seminar on the 'Sanyasi Raja' actor, attended by Shilpi Sansad secretary Sadhan Bagchi, actor Anamika Saha and Jhimli Banerjee, daughter of Tarun Kumar, brother of the matinee idol.

During the Puja days, Mitali Kankurgachi plans to play Uttam Kumar's songs throughout the festivities. Theme-maker Satyaki Sur plans to use photographs, film posters and installations associated with the 'Saptapadi' actor to bring the theme alive.

South Kolkata's popular Samaj Sebi Sangha, which is celebrating its 81st year, is also honouring Uttam Kumar through its Durga Puja. Titled 'Mahapujoy Mahanayak', the theme will showcase the life, career and enduring legacy of the matinee idol. The puja is being designed by Bishwanath Dey, whose work on Ritwik Ghatak's birth centenary at AK Block in Salt Lake last year drew widespread appreciation. At the inauguration of the theme, state Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta was present along with other dignitaries from the Bengali film industry.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has announced an elaborate four-day programme to mark Uttam Kumar's birth centenary. On September 3, at 9 am, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will pay floral tributes at the Mahanayak's statue near Tollygunge Metro station.

At 10 am, filmmaker Sandip Ray will unveil a cutout of Uttam Kumar at Bijoli Cinema. At 6 pm, the Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, will lead a tribute walk from Nandan to Gaganendra Shilpa Pradarshashala, passing through the Academy of Fine Arts, Birla Planetarium and Nehru Children's Museum. At 7 pm, the Chief Minister will inaugurate an exhibition dedicated to the Mahanayak.

The day's celebrations will conclude at Ektara Mancha, where the Chief Minister will mark the birth anniversary of the legendary matinee idol.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.