Fans to request KMC to declare 'Shilpi Sansad' a heritage

Kolkata: The fans of Uttam Kumar will request Kolkata Municipal Corporation ( KMC) to declare the two-storeyed building that houses the office of 'Shilpi Sansad' as a heritage structure.

The 92nd birthday of the matinee idol was celebrated with enthusiasm in the city. Debashis Kumar, Member, Mayor-in-Council (parks and squares) and Rituparna Sengupta, noted actress, garlanded his statue at Tollygunge on Monday morning.

Uttam Kumar set up 'Shilpi Sansad' in 1962 to help the poor technicians and artistes.

He used to organise shows to raise funds and had directed Bonpalasir Padaboli, a feature film and gave the money to 'Shilpi Sansad.' Uttam Kumar was its president. After his death in 1980, Supriya Devi used to look after the organisation. Now, the house is in a shambles.

Debashis Kumar assured every cooperation by KMC within the legal framework. "The building will have to be repaired and the members of 'Shilpi Sansad' will have to approach KMC to declare it a heritage building." In the evening, a calendar containing the posters of some of the films acted by Uttam Kumar was released at a function at Uttam Mancha by Madhavi Mukherjee. The calendar has been prepared by well known film publicity material collector Sudipta Chanda. A musical programme Surer Akashe Tumi je go sukhtara was organised in which many noted vocalists took part. The calendar features 24 film posters covering a variety from popular films.