Uttam Kumar centenary: CM Adhikari thanks Modi for Mann Ki Baat tribute
Synopsis
PM Modi used his Mann Ki Baat platform to pay tribute to Uttam Kumar just days before the Bengali cinema legend's 100th birth anniversary on 3 September — a rare national spotlight on a regional icon. West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari called it a matter of immense pride, as the state prepares a four-day mega festival and a commemorative postal stamp to mark the centenary.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to Uttam Kumar during Mann Ki Baat on 30 August , three days before the actor's 100th birth anniversary .
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari thanked the Prime Minister via a social media statement, calling the tribute 'deeply heartening.' Uttam Kumar's centenary falls on 3 September ; the state is hosting a four-day mega festival from 3 to 6 September .
Guided heritage walks through Kolkata locations connected to the actor's life and career are part of the celebrations.
The Department of Posts is releasing a special commemorative stamp and postal cover to mark the occasion.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday, 30 August publicly thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honouring legendary Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar during the latest episode of Mann Ki Baat, calling the tribute deeply heartening for the people of the state. The acknowledgement comes just three days before the 100th birth anniversary of the celebrated actor, widely revered as the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali cinema.
What Modi Said on Mann Ki Baat
In his monthly radio address, Prime Minister Modi paid what Adhikari described as a glowing tribute to Uttam Kumar, highlighting the actor's cinematic genius, screen charisma, and enduring artistic legacy. According to the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister's remarks underscored how Uttam Kumar's timeless performances continue to define the cultural soul of Bengali cinema and inspire generations of storytellers and film lovers across the world.
Adhikari's Response
Adhikari shared his reaction in a social media statement issued on Sunday afternoon. 'Today, I had the privilege of tuning into the latest edition of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's Mann Ki Baat from my office. It was deeply heartening and a matter of immense pride for all of West Bengal to hear our Hon'ble Prime Minister pay a glowing tribute to the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali Cinema, the legendary Uttam Kumar, on the landmark occasion of his 100th Birth Centenary which will be celebrated on 3rd September,' Adhikari said in his statement. He added that he was expressing 'sincere gratitude' on behalf of the people of West Bengal for the recognition accorded on a national platform.
Centenary Celebrations Planned Across Kolkata
Adhikari had earlier announced that the 100th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar will be marked with a four-day mega festival running from 3 September to 6 September, alongside a series of year-long events. As part of the celebrations, guided heritage walks will be organised through historical locations in Kolkata connected to the late actor's life and career, offering fans an immersive look at the city's cinematic past.
Commemorative Stamp and Postal Cover
The Department of Posts is releasing a special commemorative stamp and a postal cover to mark the occasion, adding an official national dimension to what is primarily a state-level cultural celebration. Notably, this is among the few instances where a Prime Minister's monthly address has spotlighted a regional cinema legend, lending the centenary observance a rare cross-cultural resonance. As the anniversary approaches on 3 September, both state authorities and cultural organisations are expected to unveil further tributes to the enduring legacy of the Mahanayak.
Point of View
And honouring a figure who transcends party lines carries unmistakable symbolic weight. Adhikari's effusive public thanks, in turn, signals the BJP's effort to own the centenary narrative in a state where Bengali cultural identity is a potent electoral currency. What is genuinely notable, however, is that the national platform rarely shines a light on regional cinema icons of this stature; that alone makes this episode unusual. Whether the tribute translates into deeper policy support for Bengali cultural heritage institutions remains to be seen.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CM Suvendu Adhikari thank PM Modi?
Adhikari thanked Modi for paying tribute to legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar during the Mann Ki Baat radio address on 30 August. The Chief Minister called it a matter of immense pride for West Bengal, coming just days before the actor's 100th birth anniversary on 3 September.
What did PM Modi say about Uttam Kumar on Mann Ki Baat?
According to CM Adhikari, PM Modi highlighted Uttam Kumar's cinematic genius, charisma, and enduring artistic legacy during the Mann Ki Baat episode. The Prime Minister reportedly described the actor's timeless performances as defining the cultural soul of Bengali cinema.
When is Uttam Kumar's 100th birth anniversary?
Uttam Kumar's 100th birth anniversary falls on 3 September. West Bengal is marking the occasion with a four-day mega festival from 3 to 6 September, along with a series of year-long cultural events.
What events are planned for Uttam Kumar's centenary in Kolkata?
The West Bengal government has announced a four-day mega festival from 3 to 6 September, guided heritage walks through Kolkata locations associated with the actor, and a series of year-long events. The Department of Posts is also releasing a commemorative stamp and postal cover.
Who was Uttam Kumar?
Uttam Kumar was a legendary Bengali actor widely regarded as the Mahanayak — the great hero — of Indian and Bengali cinema. His performances across decades continue to be celebrated as defining works of Bengali cultural identity, and he remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of Indian regional cinema.
