Who is this actor, whose 29 out of 30 films are hits, known as Mahanayak, drove himself to hospital when he faced…, he was…

Before he became a legend, there was a time when a young actor from Kolkata struggled to make a mark in the world of cinema. Despite his good looks and natural talent, his first few films were massive flops. He was mocked by the press, labelled “flop master general,” and many believed he lacked the spark needed for stardom. But destiny had other plans for this actor who would later rule the hearts of millions.

Who was this legendary actor?

This story is about none other than Late Uttam Kumar, the iconic star of Bengali cinema who earned the title of Mahanayak. Born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee, he started his film journey in the early 1940s. For the first seven to eight years, none of his films succeeded. But Uttam did not give up. He worked on improving his craft, learning from his mistakes, and staying focused. His turning point came with the 1952 film Basu Paribar, and then with Agni Pariksha (1954), which became massive hit and changed his life.

With which actress did Uttam Kumar give back-to-back hits?

One of the biggest reasons behind Uttam Kumar’s success was his chemistry with Suchitra Sen. Their on-screen pair became iconic and remains unmatched in Bengali cinema. They delivered 29 hit films together, including Harano Sur, Saptapadi, and Shilpi. Their romantic dramas were not only commercially successful but emotionally rich, earning them a loyal fan base.

Uttam wasn’t just a romantic hero. He was a brilliant actor who could perform in intense dramas, comedies, and thrillers. His talent caught the attention of legendary filmmaker Late Satyajit Ray, who cast him in Nayak (1966), a film that showcased the emotional journey of a superstar. Uttam’s performance in this film earned him critical acclaim even outside Bengal and made him a national icon. Despite his stardom, Uttam Kumar remained grounded. He had a passion for theatre and often returned to the stage. He was also involved in singing, producing, and directing. However, his personal life was filled with ups and downs, including a failed marriage and health issues.

When Uttam Kumar drove himself to hospital

On 23 July 1980, Uttam Kumar suffered chest pain during the shooting of the film Ogo Bodhu Shundori. He drove himself to the hospital. Despite treatment, he passed away the next day on 24 July 1980 at the age of 53. The city of Kolkata came to a standstill during his funeral. His contribution to cinema was so immense that the Tollygunge Film Studio in Kolkata was later named Uttam Mancha in his honour.

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