The centenary of Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar has become more than a celebration of his contribution to films. It has also turned into a political moment, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) using the actor’s enduring popularity to strengthen its cultural connection with West Bengal. Uttam Kumar, popularly known as the “Mahanayak”, remains one of the most respected figures in Bengali culture, nearly five decades after his death.
Four decades and a couple of years have gone by since Uttam Kumar’s passing. And yet July 24, when he journeyed to the land of shadows remains a day of mourning among his fans, a tribe which is increasing though many in it were born years after his death.
