Uttam Kumar Film Centre Foundation Stone Laid Near Eco Park

PTI, September 4, 2026, Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone of the Uttam Kumar Film Centre near Eco Park in the New Town area here on Friday as part of its year-long celebrations marking the birth centenary of legendary Bengali actor Uttam Kumar.

The state government has allocated Rs 25 crore for the project, which will have two theatres with a seating capacity of 750 each and another with 1,000 seats. The Centre will also house laboratories and studios for animation and visual effects, besides facilities for film post-production.

Soil testing for the project has already been completed, and the detailed project report is being prepared, Adhikari said, adding that construction work is expected to begin after the monsoon.

Beginning his address at the event by extending Janmashtami greetings, he said celebrations for Uttam Kumar's birth centenary were being organised with the participation of people from different sections of the cultural fraternity.

"We love him with our minds and hearts. There is no division or political colour in this love. Everyone loves Mahanayak and takes pride in him," Adhikari said.

He said the celebrations had been organised with inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and with the support of people associated with the cultural world.

Uttam Kumar was born on September 3, which coincided with Janmashtami according to the lunar calendar, Adhikari said, describing it as a significant occasion.

Adhikari said the birth centenary celebrations should leave a lasting legacy.

"It should not be momentary. We have to create something that generations will remember," he said.

Veteran actors Mithun Chakraborty and Ranjit Mallick participated in the 'bhoomi pujan' ceremony, while actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Jisshu Sengupta were also present.

Praising the artists involved in the celebrations, the chief minister thanked Ranjit Mallick for his support and said Mithun Chakraborty would soon be appointed as a cultural adviser.

"Ranjit Mallick was present at yesterday's programme and has come today as well. I bow before him for his cooperation. Mahaguru is with us. We are going to make Mithun Chakraborty the cultural adviser," he said.

Referring to Prosenjit Chatterjee's involvement in the celebrations, Adhikari said, "Prosenjit Chatterjee has been the priest of the entire programme. He had come to me and said, 'I have not come to ask you for anything. People have already recognised me. There is nothing new left for me to receive.'"

He also thanked Jisshu Sengupta, who, according to Adhikari, took on the role of an organiser.

Earlier, Mithun Chakraborty praised Adhikari, saying he had confidence in the chief minister's commitment to the project.

"You have come to know our chief minister by now. Whatever he says, he makes it happen. I guarantee that whatever he says will happen," Chakraborty said.