Uttam Kumar`s hypnotic screen presence, charismatic appearance, dazzling smile and mellow voice made him not just a heartthrob, but also a legend of Bengali Cinema. Uttam Kumar was in every sense the `Mahanayak` (superstar). His impressive personality and smooth voice established him as the unchallenged star of Bengali movies. Truly enough he had an aura of star around him yet his simpleton roles made him a household name. Even today it is said no star can match his star status neither his histrionic skills. According to the history of Bengali cinema Uttam Kumar ruled the film industry for almost three decades.

He was born as Arun Kumar Chatterjee in 1926 at Ahiritola, North Kolkata but was called `Uttam` by his maternal grandmother. `Uttam`in Bengali means superb. He was associated with stage acting for a short time. He could not, however, complete his studies and started working at the Kolkata Port as a clerk. During this period, he acted in amateur theatre groups. His prodigious joint family had its own theatre group, the Suhrid Samaj which staged many amateur shows.

Works of Uttam Kumar
His first break in Bengali films came with Drishdidaan (1948) directed by the great Nitin Bose. However it was in 1949 that he was seen as the main protagonist in Kamana. The film did not do well at the box office. He went onto star in Basu Parivar. He did in 1953 the romantic comedy Sharey Chuattor. The film starred Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen. They were paired opposite each other for the first time and went on to be the most popular screen couple for centuries. This film was received well by the audience.

Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen wiped away the lull that was slowly engulfing Bengali cinema due to the presence of the Hindi films. Their next hit film was Agnipariksha in 1954. Some of their popular films are Shaap Mochon (1955), Sagarika (1956), Harano Sur (1957), Indrani (1958), Rajalakshmi-o-Shrikanta (1958), Chaowa-Paowa (1959), Saptapadi (1961), Bipasha (1962), Grihadaha (1967) etc. Uttam Kumar starred in around 200 films in his career. Apart from Suchitra Sen Uttam Kumar was also paired with Supriya Devi, Sabitri Chatterjee, Sharmila Tagore, Sumitra Mukherjee and others.

Satyajit Ray`s Nayak (1966) dealt with the film industry and the life of a star. The image was akin to Uttam`s own status in the Bengali cinema. Another film that deserves is Khoka Babur Pratyabartan (1960). It was, however, Satyajit Ray`s Chriyakhana that brought him his National Award in 1967. He was also appreciated fro his role in Antony Firangee. Uttam Kumar has also produced several films including Harano Sur, Saptapadi, Bhrantibilash (1963), Uttar Falguni (1963), Jatugriha (1964) and Grihadaha. His last film was the romantic comedy Ogo Bodhu Sundari. He also made his foray into the Hindi film industry with Chhoti Si Mulaqaat in 1967 co-starring Vyjayantimala. His other films include Amanush (1975), Anand Ashram (1977). Some of his Hindi movies are Kitaab (1979) and Dooriyaan (1979).

Some of the other films of Uttam Kumar are Lal Pathhar ,Sesh Anka, Saheb Bibi Golam, Kokhono Megh ,Sabyasachi, Shuno Baro Nari, Sanjher Pradeep, Chhodmobeshi,Sanyasi Raja, Dui Bhai, Sabar Uparey, Dhonyee Meye,Sonar Khnacha,Deya Neya, Ekti Raat, Nayika Songba etc.

Awards of Uttam Kumar
B.F.J.A Best Actor Award for Hrod (1955)
Recognition from the Government of India for Harano Sur (1957)
B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Saptapadi (1961). Uttam Kumar received the award from the legendary film-maker Debaki Bose.
B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Nayak (1966)
B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Grihadha (1967).
B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Ekhane Pinjar (1971).
Best Actor award from `Prosad` magazine for Stri (1973). B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Amanush (1974).
Best Actor Filmfare Award Nomination for Amanush (1975).
He received the Best Actor award for the same film from the Government of West Bengal on January 26, 1975. The price was worth 5000 rupees. Uttam Kumar donated the whole sum to the impoverished artists` fund.
B.F.J.A Best Actor award for Bahnisikha (1976).
Best Actor award both from the Prosad magazine and Sanonskritik Sanbadik Sanostha for Anand Ashram (1977)

He was the very first recipient of the National Film Awards in the Best Actor category for both Chiriyakhana and Antony Firingee (1967).

Uttam Kumar, the legendary star passed away on 24th July 1940, at the age of 53 leaving behind a void that was never to be filled.