Mumbai, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Bollywood actor Boman Irani paid tribute to legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary, recalling the veteran star’s extraordinary screen presence, personality and artistry.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Boman said an artist of Uttam Kumar’s stature should be celebrated for generations so that young actors can draw inspiration from his work.
Recalling his introduction to Uttam Kumar’s work as a youngster, Boman said he first saw the legendary actor in Shakti Samanta’s popular Bengali-Hindi bilingual film Amanush, which also starred Sharmila Tagore.
“100 years, can you believe it, but in our minds as youngsters he will always be the beautiful Uttam Da, and you know we got introduced to Uttam Da in a Hindi film, Shakti Da’s film ‘Amanush’. I think it was also a Bengali film. When we were young, I remember seeing his work with Sharmila ji. I cannot tell you: what a face, what a smile, what a personality, what a great artist,” Boman told IANS.
“We should be celebrating him for years and years so that young artist can be inspired by an actor like Uttam Da,” he added.
The The Mehta Boys actor also said he would be happy to work in a Bengali-language film if offered an opportunity, stressing that language should not be a barrier in cinema.
Uttam Kumar is regarded as one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema and remained one of the most bankable stars of Bengali cinema from the 1950s through the 1970s. He earned the enduring title of “Mahanayak” for his contribution to Bengali cinema.
In 1980, Uttam Kumar fell ill while shooting for Ogo Badhu Sundori. Later that evening, his health deteriorated while he was attending a friend’s party. Suspecting that he had suffered an attack, he drove himself to a hospital.
Uttam Kumar died on July 24, 1980, at the age of 53.
FOLLOW NOW
