Kolkata: The Mamata Banerjee government paid tribute to legendary actor Uttam Kumar by organising programmes in the city on Sunday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered her homage to Kumar. "Tumi shurjo otha bhor …. taray bhora raati. Mahanayaker Jonmodine Shradhargha," Banerjee tweeted.
State Public Works, Sports and Youth Affairs minister Aroop Biswas offered a floral tribute to Kumar at the state secretariat Nabanna. Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) observed the birthday of legendary actor Uttam Kumar in a grand way by unveiling the newly renovated Uttam Kumar Sishu Udyan (Children's Park) on Sunday. The park is situated adjacent to Kumar's maternal uncle's home at Ahritola in North Kolkata, where the actor was born. Mayor Sovan Chatterjee offered floral tribute to the statue of the actor situated at the entrance of the park. MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay and member Mayor in Council (Parks & Gardens) Debasish Kumar were also present. The statue of Uttam Kumar was made last year but the KMC could not organise any programme there due to torrential rain that had lashed the city. "The Mayor had promised that this year, the birth anniversary of the actor will be celebrated with pomp and grandeur. The park has been made attractive with models of various animals like the Bengal Tiger, deer, rabbit, monkey, and birds like Macao and others. The entire lighting arrangement of the park has gone through a sea change to cater to the renovated look. It will surely be a delight to the children," Councillor of ward 20 Bijay Upadhayay said.
As many as 24 lamp posts with LED lights have been installed in the road leading to the park. Chatterjee and Bandyopadhyay also paid a visit to Kumar's maternal uncle's home and talked with the family members. A cultural programme with rendition of songs from Uttam Kumar's films was held in the evening.