Uttam Kumar through Madhabi Mukherjee’s eyes: On and off the set
Uttam Kumar, the legendary actor of Bengali cinema, was not only renowned for his acting prowess but also for his empathy and support towards people during their times of need. This quality earned him the title of "Mahanayak" (Great Hero).
On the 44th anniversary of Uttam Kumar's demise, veteran actress Madhabi Mukherjee, who worked with him in six films, shared her memories of the icon. Speaking to Kolkata's Bengali daily Anandabazar, Madhabi highlighted why Uttam Kumar became timeless, unlike other famous actors of his era such as Chhabi Biswas and Shishir Kumar Bhadhuri.
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"Alongside being a superstar, Uttam Kumar also thought about ordinary people," Madhabi said. "During droughts or floods, I saw him taking to the streets with artists, begging for funds which he then donated to the Chief Minister's relief fund. In 1978, he organized a charity cricket match at Eden Gardens with Mumbai artists for flood relief in Bengal and personally handed over the raised funds to the then Chief Minister Jyoti Basu."
Madhabi further recounted how Uttam Kumar quietly supported the families of production crew members during personal crises. "Uttam Kumar was a complete actor and a person with a generous heart. He always said, 'First, I must love people.' He lived by this principle all his life. I learned it from him and saw him work tirelessly for others," she added.
Madhabi revealed that Uttam Kumar wanted to produce a film for the production assistants, and shooting dates had been fixed. However, he passed away a few days before filming could begin.
Recalling her first meeting with Uttam Kumar during the shooting of the film "Thana Theke Aschi," Madhabi said, "Although I had no scenes with him in that film, the director introduced me to Uttam Babu. Upon seeing me, he stood up and said, 'Madam, please sit.' I asked him to call me Madhabi instead, as 'Madam' was not fitting for our culture. He laughed and agreed. From that day, I eventually became 'Madhu' to him."
On the shooting floor, Uttam Kumar fostered camaraderie by creating a tradition of sharing snacks like puffed rice and fritters. "He believed there should be no division. Everyone, from actors and directors to technicians, would take turns providing the snacks, creating a familial atmosphere on set," Madhabi shared.
She also fondly remembered Uttam Kumar's involvement in her wedding. "He promised to attend as the bride's guardian and insisted on having luchi fried in mustard oil. He kept his promise, attending my wedding and reception with Supriya Devi."
Madhabi emphasized Uttam Kumar's significant contributions to the film industry, mentioning his role as the president of the "Actors' Association" and his establishment of the "Artists' Parliament." Notably, he directed and acted in the film "Bono Palashir Padabali," casting the industry's top talent. Despite suggestions to cut the film's four-hour length, Uttam Kumar insisted on preserving the entire film out of respect for the contributors, resulting in a nearly three-hour movie that became a blockbuster.
Madhabi expressed regret that Uttam Kumar's body was not allowed to be placed at Rabindra Sadan after his death, which she felt was a mark of disrespect to the great actor.
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