Uttam Kumar was in every sense the `mahanayak` (superstar). His stunning smile, charismatic screen presence, impressive personality and smooth voice established him as the unchallenged star of Bengali cinema. 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. He is a most revered figure in Bengali cinema. According to the history of Bengali cinema Uttam Kumar ruled the film industry for almost three decades.

Uttam Kumar actually named Arun Kumar Chatterjee. He was nicknamed `Uttam` by his grandmother. Who knew then that this name would be perfect to define an actor of his stature! `Uttam` in Bengali means superb. He was associated with stage acting for a short time. 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 directed by Nirmal Dey and co starring Sabitri Chatterjee. The actor and the director ream,ed up again in 1953 to deliver 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. Their popularity as a filmi pair is even unmatched today on Bengali silver screen. Sharey Chuattor 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.

Uttam Kumar was part of all the leading commercial films during 1950s-60s. However there are certain films that had Uttam Kumar in unforgettable roles. One of them is definitely Satyajit Ray`s Nayak (1966). The film 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). Uttam Kumar was outstanding in his role of a loyal servant who gives away his son to his master. It was, however, Satyajit Ray`s Chriakhana that brought him his National Award in 1967. He was also appreciated fro his role in Antony Firangee. The latter starred Tanuja too. Chowringhee too narrated a touching story about Mr. Sata Bose who was the manager at a first class hotel. The film also starred Anjana Bhowmick, Shubhendu Chatterjee, Supriya Choudhury, Bhanu Bannerjee, Biswajeet and others.

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 Bengali films include Amanush (1975), Anand Ashram (1977), Kitaab (1979) and Dooriyaan (1979). Uttam Kumar, the legendary star passed away on 24th July 1940, leaving behind a void that was never to be filled.

The filmography of Uttam Kumar will include the following films:

Lal Pathhar	Sesh Anka	Saheb Bibi Golam	Kokhono Megh
Sabyasachi	Shuno Baro Nari	Sanjher Pradeep	Chhodmobeshi
Sanyasi Raja	Dui Bhai	Sabar Uparey	Dhonyee Meye
Priya Bandhabi	Jhinder Bandi	Sadanander Mela	Mouchak
Kaya Hiner Kahini	Sathihara	Grihaprabesh	Stree
Alo Amar Alo	Shaharer Itikatha	Champadangar Bou	Tinkori Haldar
Nabaraag	Marutirtha Hinglaj	Ora Thake Odhare	Sabyashachi
Haar Mana Haar	Sonar Harin	Annapurnar Mandir	Raj Kumari
Biraj Bou	Surya Toran	Balay Gras	Sister
Nishipadma	Bondhu	Maraner Parey	Jay Jayanti
Kamallata	Chandranath	Moner Moyur	Sonar Khnacha
Aparachita	Pathey Holo Deri	Jeebon Trishna	Gali Theke Raj Path
Sabarmati	Prithibi Amara Chhaye	Sabarmoti	Bagh Bandi
Jiban Mrityu	Tasher Ghar	Dhanraj Tamang	Sankhabela
Kal Tumi Aleya	Trijama	Rajodrohi	Agniswar
Lal Pathhar	Shilpi	Shobaar Uporey
Jotugriha	Nabojanma	Shyamali
Deya Neya	Ekti Raat	Nayika Songbad