Mahanayak Uttam Kumar is no more for over 30-years now, yet the nostalgia remains the same. On his 96th birth anniversary today, people remember him. Even after so years, he is not around, yet people simply go crazy for him. What surprises is when the new generation not ready to watch or talk about actors of older generation, Uttam babu still finds place in millions of heart of young people who simply love to admire him, go crazy over his million dollar smile.

Great Master Satyajit Ray who had made two films with the actor ‘Nayak’ and ‘Chidiyakhana’

On All India Radio (AIR) while remembering Uttam babu in the programme ‘Uttam Shorone’, had said, The romantic pair of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen which reached the peak of popularity was unthinkable and rare, not just in Mumbai film world but very few in Hollywood shared this enigma.

Satyajit Ray also said that while working with Uttam babu, he has noticed him doing so many ‘details’ which were not in the script but at the same time would enhance the character.

The charisma of Uttam Kumar was such that many people tried to identify him with their personal lives – Uttam babu through his cinema to his millions of admirers had become a brother, son, lover even son-in-law for some, such was his charisma, an enigma that still continues.

Sharing a few ‘nostalgic’ moments from the past: We all have heard so much about the helpful nature of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. I had an opportunity to meet a old technician at Tollygunge (one of the studious). When he said he has seen Uttam babu, I could not stop myself from asking questions. He shared few instances but the most touching was the story that brought tears to his eyes. He said during his daughter’s wedding he had borrowed some money from Uttam babu.

When he managed to gather the amount and went to return to him, he said “onek boro hoye gechish na, ota raakh” (you have become very big man, keep it with you) and this man began crying, tears rolled from his eyes. He told me “dada r baan haat jantona daan haat taka diyechey, eram uni oneke diyechen, uni shotti kar r Mohanayak chilen” (dada’s left hand would not know his right hand gave money, he was like this, not just me but he helped so many people. Dada was a true Mahanayak). I deliberately did not divulge this man’s identity, just wanted to share this incident…