Uttam Kumar the greatest superstar of Bengali cinema took up challenging roles in the 70s. He acted in the film Stree, where he played the role of a zamindar of the 18th century. He married his wife but still visited the place where baijees had performed mujras. Soumitra was appointed as a teacher and painter in his house but was killed at the end of the film, after he suspected about illegal relationship of him with his wife. He brought out the royal nature and cruelty of zamindars of that century.
He was sublime in the film Sanyasi Raja, where in the first part of the film he portrayed the character of Zamindar who loved music and attended mujras. In the second part of the film he played the role of an ascetic he had renounced the world inspite of being the prince of the princely estate. His wife considered him as an imposter but his subjects identified him as the raja. He gave excellent lips in Manna Dey’s songs in the films like “shashikanto tumi dekhchi”, “bhalobashar agun jalao”, etc.
Uttam Kumar was brilliant in the role of a doctor in the film Agnisshar. He played the role of a doctor during the colonial period where he had soft corner for the patriotic Indians. He diagnosed every section of patients and sometimes even treated them without getting any remuneration. He also played the role of a driver in the film Chodobeshi where he showed his comedy impulse.
Uttam Kumar even played villanish roles like the one in film Bagbandir Khela. Besides he acted in Shakti Samanta’s film Amanush and Anand Ashram which were made both in Bengali and hindi.
He played the role of mad professor in the film Nagar Darpane. He astonished the viewers with his effortless acting. Previously he was for his romantic performances. He got more respect and regard in the 70s for his versatile performances and proving himself as one man industry.
The films should be restored and preserved for the next generation as Uttam Kumar had remained alive in his memorable performances.
