Uttam Kumar 100th birth anniversary: Raima Sen honours 'Mahanayak' with Saptapadi tribute
Synopsis
On Uttam Kumar's 100th birth anniversary, actress Raima Sen shared a rare photograph of the iconic pair — Uttam Kumar and her grandmother Suchitra Sen — from the 1961 classic Saptapadi. Her tribute is a reminder that the 'Mahanayak' of Bengali cinema isn't just remembered; he is still deeply felt.
Key Takeaways
Raima Sen paid tribute to Uttam Kumar on his 100th birth anniversary via an Instagram post.
She shared a photograph of Uttam Kumar and her grandmother Suchitra Sen , believed to be from the 1961 film Saptapadi .
Saptapadi , directed by Ajoy Kar and based on Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay's 1958 novel, was the highest-grossing Bengali film of 1961 .
The film was later featured in the homage section of the Indian Panorama at the 45th IFFI .
Uttam Kumar passed away on 24 July 1980 , aged 53 , after collapsing at a friend's gathering.
Actress Raima Sen paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar on his 100th birth anniversary, calling him a timeless legend who remains forever etched in the memories of cinema lovers. Sen took to Instagram to share a rare photograph of the iconic on-screen duo — Uttam Kumar and her grandmother, the celebrated actress Suchitra Sen — believed to be from the landmark 1961 film Saptapadi.
Raima Sen's Tribute
In her caption, Raima Sen wrote: 'Remembering Mahanayak Uttam Kumar on his birth anniversary with heartfelt respect. Some artists entertain us; a few become a part of our memories and stay with us forever.' She described Saptapadi as one of her most cherished films, adding: 'His screen presence, emotions, and unforgettable portrayal continue to touch my heart. A timeless legend, deeply loved, admired, and forever remembered.'
About Saptapadi: A Landmark in Bengali Cinema
Released in 1961, Saptapadi is a Bengali-language epic romantic drama directed by Ajoy Kar, based on the 1958 novel of the same name by Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay. The film also starred Chhabi Biswas and Chhaya Debi. It went on to become the highest-grossing Bengali film of 1961 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest romantic films in the history of Bengali cinema. Decades later, it was featured retrospectively in the homage section of the Indian Panorama at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
The Legacy of Uttam Kumar
Uttam Kumar is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in the history of Indian cinema. He dominated Bengali cinema from the 1950s through the 1970s, earning the enduring title of 'Mahanayak' — meaning 'the great hero.' His on-screen chemistry with Suchitra Sen defined an era of Bengali romantic cinema and continues to be celebrated by generations of film enthusiasts.
His Final Days
In 1980, Uttam Kumar fell ill on the set of Ogo Badhu Sundori. Later that evening, while attending a friend's gathering, he suffered a severe episode around midnight. Suspecting a cardiac event, he drove himself to the hospital. He passed away on 24 July 1980, aged 53, leaving behind an unparalleled cinematic legacy that endures to this day.
On his centenary, tributes from across the film fraternity underscore how deeply Uttam Kumar's work continues to resonate — not just in Bengal, but across Indian cinema.
Point of View
A 64-year-old film, still registers as a personal touchstone for a working actress today speaks to the durability of Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen's on-screen chemistry. Bengali cinema has produced stars since, but the 'Mahanayak' title has never been reassigned — a telling commentary on how rarely that kind of cultural gravity is achieved. On his centenary, the question worth asking is whether contemporary Bengali cinema is building legacies of comparable depth, or coasting on the nostalgia of its golden era.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Uttam Kumar called 'Mahanayak'?
Uttam Kumar earned the title 'Mahanayak' — meaning 'the great hero' — for his unparalleled dominance of Bengali cinema from the 1950s through the 1970s. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema.
What is the film Saptapadi that Raima Sen mentioned?
Saptapadi is a 1961 Bengali-language epic romantic drama directed by Ajoy Kar, starring Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. Based on Tarasankar Bandyopadhyay's 1958 novel, it became the highest-grossing Bengali film of that year and is considered one of the greatest romantic films in Bengali cinema history.
How is Raima Sen connected to Uttam Kumar?
Raima Sen is the granddaughter of Suchitra Sen, who was Uttam Kumar's most celebrated on-screen partner. The duo's pairing in films like Saptapadi defined the golden age of Bengali romantic cinema.
When did Uttam Kumar pass away?
Uttam Kumar passed away on 24 July 1980, aged 53. He had fallen ill on a film set earlier that day and later collapsed at a friend's gathering, after which he drove himself to the hospital before succumbing to his illness.
Was Saptapadi screened at any major film festival?
Yes. Saptapadi was featured retrospectively in the homage section of the Indian Panorama at the 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), recognising its enduring significance in Indian cinema.
