Mamata bats for films, songs on social causes

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the artistes, technicians and composers to make films and songs to create social awareness, while addressing a gathering to commemorate the 39th death anniversary of Uttam Kumar, at Nazrul Mancha on Wednesday afternoon.

She said water scarcity is posing a serious threat and some experts have said that after 20 years, water will be costlier than petrol.

The state government has taken up the 'Save Water Save Life' programme to conserve water. "Films on social issues can create awareness among people. I urge the artistes, directors and composers to make films and compose songs to create social awareness," she said.

Paying tribute to Uttam Kumar, the Chief Minister said: "His contribution to Bengali films cannot be forgotten. Even the present generation youths love Uttam Kumar's films. It is our responsibility to make the young generation know about his films."

Recollecting how she got the news about the actor's death, Banerjee said: "It was around 10 pm when my mother and I were standing in front of our house when some boys who were passing by were discussing among themselves about Uttam Kumar's death. We were shocked to hear the news as we were very fond of his films."

She said the state government has renovated the Technician's Studio in Tollygunge, at an estimated cost of Rs 32 crore. The Tele Academy in Baruipur built at an estimated cost of Rs 132 crore will be ready soon. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) has been doing the construction work for the same.

During the event, Banerjee handed over the Mahanayak Samman to noted actors Shatabdi Roy, Debashree Roy, Indrani Halder, Jisshu Sengupta and Parambrata Chatterjee. However, Shatabdi, Jisshu and Parambrata could not be present because of their assignments in Delhi and abroad.

Ritwik Chakraborty and Tanuja got the best actor and actress awards, for their performances in Nagar Kirtan and Sonar Pahar, respectively. It may be mentioned that Tanuja had acted with Uttam Kumar in two very popular films, namely Deya Neya and Rajkumari.

Ek Je Chilo Raja, based on the life of Bhawal Sanyashi, directed by Srijit Mukherjee, got the award for best feature film, while Kaushik Ganguly got the best director's award for his film Nagar Kirtan.