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Uttam Kumar’s life has many ‘inspiring stories’ apart from ‘scandals’
Kolkata, July 23 (IANS) Bengali cinema’s legend Uttam Kumar’s life was yet to be explored and there are many ‘inspiring stories’ apart from ‘scandals’ in the life of the glorious actor, a film director who saw the actor very closely said here on Monday.
“Uttam Kumar was not the person who only roamed around with women. His life was not just about scandals. There are so many inspiring stories about his life, his struggle and how he carried the Bengali film industry on his shoulders is commendable,” Probir Roy told IANS on the sidelines of the trailer launch of his upcoming Bengali docu-feature on the late matinee idol ‘Jete Nahi Debo'(Will not let you go), on the eve of his 38th death anniversary.
The film will release in September. Uttam Kumar was born on September 3, 1926, as Arunkumar Chattopadhyay.
“There is no concrete work on the legend’s life, there is no archive. I got to see Uttam Kumar closely for eight years from 1972-1980. I visited his residence often. When Supriya Devi was alive, after a word with her, I tried to document whatever I have seen with my own eyes,” said Roy.
According to Roy, he has tried to bring out various facts based on Kumar’s life. “Everyone may not be satisfied with my work and it is not even possible as different people have a different perspective of him.”
Sharing his experience, Sujan Mukherjee, the actor who plays the legend, said: “It is a great honour as he was a great actor and my hero since childhood. I liked the script as it is very real. There are no gossips and masala.”
“While working I learnt how Uttam Kumar controlled his habit of smoking. He used to have a cigarette packet in front, took one and had a small fag without lighting it. I used it in the film,” said Mukherjee.
Uttam Kumar loved music, he played the harmonium, he composed songs and he had his own production.
“His life was a magnum opus. He did so much for the welfare of Bengali film industry. He made a trust for the technicians,” added Mukherjee.
Mallika Sinha Roy who plays Supriya Devi, Uttam Kumar’s live-in partner and a leading actress, said: “This is a milestone in my career. I never tried copying the legendary actress Supriya Devi as it won’t have been possible. I have tried to portray the chemistry between her and Uttam Kumar.”
The glamorous on and off-screen persona of Supriya Devi made her one of the most accomplished actresses of Bengali films. She has been acclaimed for her performances in in a large number of films including the Ritwik Ghatak classic “Meghe Dhaka Tara” (1960).
With a legion of fan following in Bengal and Bangladesh, Uttam Kumar churned out more than 200 films in a career spanning the golden age of Bengali cinema form the 1950s to the 1970s. The national award winner worked with filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha. His most notable Hindi film was “Amanush”.
He died July 24, 1980, after a heart attack while filming “Ogo Bodhu Sundori”.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.