Uttam Kumar Memorial Film Centre Announced; Suvendu Adhikari Unveils Bust on Legendary Actor's 47th Death Anniversary

Uttam Kumar Memorial Film Centre was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday while paying tribute to Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar on his 47th death anniversary. During a commemorative programme at Keoratala Mahashmashan in Kolkata, the Chief Minister unveiled a bust of the legendary actor and announced several initiatives to preserve his legacy, including the establishment of a dedicated film centre in his name, the modernisation of Uttam Mancha, and a grand celebration of his birth centenary.

The announcement comes as Bengal continues to honour Uttam Kumar, whose contribution to Indian cinema remains unmatched decades after his passing.

Bust of Uttam Kumar Unveiled at Keoratala Mahashmashan
The West Bengal government organised a special tribute programme on July 24, 2026, marking the 47th death anniversary of Uttam Kumar.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari arrived at Keoratala Mahashmashan before noon and unveiled a bust of the legendary actor. He later offered floral tributes and joined artists in paying homage through music, remembering the enduring contribution of the "Mahanayak" to Bengali cinema.

The solemn ceremony drew several prominent personalities from the worlds of politics, films and culture.

Film Personalities Attend Tribute Ceremony
The memorial event witnessed the presence of several well-known personalities, including actress Rupa Ganguly, Papia Adhikari, actor Rudranil Ghosh, veteran actress Rituparna Sengupta, and Uttam Kumar's granddaughter Nabanita Chattopadhyay.
Members of the artistic and cultural community also attended the programme to honour the screen legend, reflecting his lasting influence on generations of filmmakers and cinema lovers.

Government Announces Uttam Kumar Memorial Film Centre
One of the biggest announcements made during the event was the government's decision to establish the Uttam Kumar Memorial Film Centre in Kolkata.

According to the Chief Minister, the proposed centre will serve as a dedicated institution celebrating Uttam Kumar's extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema while promoting Bengal's rich film heritage.
The project is expected to become an important cultural landmark for filmmakers, students and cinema enthusiasts.

Birth Centenary Celebrations Planned from September 3 to 6
Suvendu Adhikari also announced that the state government would organise grand celebrations to mark Uttam Kumar's birth centenary.

The celebrations will begin on September 3, the legendary actor's birth anniversary, and continue until September 6 with a series of cultural programmes and commemorative events.

The Chief Minister said the government intends to make the centenary celebration a landmark event for Bengali cinema.

Preparatory Committee to Be Formed at Rabindra 

To ensure the successful organisation of the centenary celebrations, the government will constitute a special preparatory committee at Rabindra Sadan.

The committee will oversee planning, coordination and execution of the various programmes and cultural events scheduled during the celebration period.

Officials said the committee would include representatives from the film industry, cultural organisations and the state administration.

Uttam Mancha to Undergo Modernisation
Another significant announcement made by the Chief Minister was the proposed modernisation of Uttam Mancha, the auditorium managed by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The government plans to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities at the venue, making it better equipped to host cultural performances, film screenings and theatrical productions.
The move is expected to strengthen Kolkata's cultural infrastructure while honouring the legacy of one of Bengal's greatest film icons.

Uttam Kumar's Legacy Continues to Inspire
More than four decades after his passing, Uttam Kumar remains one of the most celebrated actors in the history of Indian cinema.

Known as the "Mahanayak," he redefined Bengali commercial cinema with memorable performances across numerous classic films and continues to inspire actors, filmmakers and audiences alike.
The government's latest initiatives aim to preserve that legacy for future generations while recognising his unparalleled contribution to Bengali art and culture.

The announcement of the Uttam Kumar Memorial Film Centre, along with the unveiling of the legendary actor's bust and plans for an elaborate birth centenary celebration, marks a significant step towards preserving Bengal's cinematic heritage. With the modernisation of Uttam Mancha and the formation of a dedicated planning committee, the West Bengal government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to honour Uttam Kumar's timeless contribution to Indian cinema.