‘Deeply heartening’: CM Adhikari thanks PM Modi for mentioning Uttam Kumar in ‘Mann Ki Baat’

Kolkata, Aug 30 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his reference to evergreen Bengali matinee idol, Late Uttam Kumar, in ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

In a social media statement issued in the afternoon, CM Adhikari said the Prime Minister’s reference to Uttam Kumar was a matter of immense pride for the people of the state, as it comes three days ahead of the 100th birth anniversary of the Bengali silver screen icon.

“Today, I had the privilege of tuning into the latest edition of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiJi’s #MannKiBaat from my office. It was deeply heartening and a matter of immense pride for all of West Bengal to hear our Hon’ble Prime Minister pay a glowing tribute to the Mahanayak of Indian and Bengali Cinema, the legendary Uttam Kumar, on the landmark occasion of his 100th Birth Centenary which will be celebrated on 3rd September,” the Chief Minister said in his social media statement.

According to him, the Prime Minister beautifully highlighted the unmatched cinematic genius, charisma and indelible artistic legacy of Uttam Kumar, whose timeless performances continue to define the cultural soul of Bengali Cinema and inspire generations of storytellers and film lovers across the world.

“On behalf of the people of West Bengal, I express our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for celebrating the immortal legacy of our beloved Mahanayak on this National platform,” the Chief Minister’s social media statement added.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had announced that the 100th birth anniversary of Uttam Kumar will be celebrated 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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