Happy to see PM Modi’s post on Uttam Kumar ahead of me, says CM Adhikari

Kolkata, Sep 3 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a social media post early this morning on evergreen Bengali matinee idol, Late Uttam Kumar, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary.

“I was elated to see the Prime Minister making a social media post remembering Uttam Kumar early this morning. I am even more elated that the Prime Minister issued this social media statement even before I could issue a similar social media statement on the same occasion. Last Sunday, the Prime Minister dedicated five minutes of his 30-minute ‘Mann Ki Baat’ speech to highlighting the achievements of this great actor,” the Chief Minister said at a function where he garlanded a statue of the iconic Bengali silver screen star on his 100th birth anniversary.

In his social media statement posted early this morning, the Prime Minister described Uttam Kumar as a legend whose timeless performances connect with people across generations. “Tributes on his birth centenary. Also sharing what I spoke about him during ‘#MannKiBaat’ last Sunday,” read the Prime Minister’s social media post issued this morning, both in English and Bengali.

The Chief Minister said that while the state government led by him would provide all necessary cooperation to personalities from the film and cultural world to ensure flourishing of the sector, there will be no administrative interference or influence under any circumstance.

“I assure that there will be no administrative interference. I also assure that there will be no attempts of politically influencing such activities,” the Chief Minister said. His statement followed accolades from the personalities from the Bengali film and cultural sector present on the occasion.

Political observers feel that by making this commitment on this special occasion, the Chief Minister subtly reminded how his predecessor and former West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, used to be the centre of attention in any film-related event and seen giving instructions or suggestions even on small issues.

The 100th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar is being celebrated in West Bengal with a four-day mega festival from September 3 to September 6, alongside a series of year-long events.

As part of the celebration, guided walks will be organised, taking fans of the Bengali silver screen icon through historical locations in Kolkata connected to the late actor’s life and career.

The Department of Posts is releasing a special commemorative stamp and a postal cover on the occasion.

–IANS

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