Today, July 24, is the 46th death anniversary of Mahanayak Uttam Kumar. Even after all these years, Jhargram of Jangalmahal did not forget him. Jhargram covers an important chapter of Uttam-Smriti. He came to this district again and again due to the shooting of several films in the seventies. From the Jhargram Rajbari guest house, Sardiha railway station, traditional restaurants of the city to the nature of Belpahari – all in all, the great hero developed a close spiritual relationship with Jhargram. And in this context, the MLA of Jhargram has already started talks with Malladev Rajbari authorities to open the gate of the traditional Jhargram Rajbari.
It is to be noted that the first shooting of hero Uttam Kumar was done in Jhargram for the film ‘Marutheerth Hinglaj’. Later, important parts of several films including ‘Sannyasi Raja’, ‘Baghbandi Khel’ and ‘Rajvansh’ were shot in and around Jhargram Rajbari. During the shooting for a long time, he developed an easy and sincere relationship with the local people. As soon as he heard that he would stay in the guest house of the Rajbari, many fans would gather in the hope of catching a glimpse. Sardiha railway station also became the center of attraction during the shooting of ‘Baghbandi Khela’.
Older residents still remember those days. As soon as the train stopped, crowds thronged the platform to catch a glimpse of the hero. It is still alive as a folk tale. Jhargram is also associated with the memory of his passion. Afghani cutlets and mutton cutlets from Ashoka’s traditional restaurant in the city were his special favourites. Food was often delivered from that restaurant to Rajbari during shooting. Even today, the story remains part of the restaurant’s heritage. Although now that cutlet is not made regularly. Many shooting locations have changed over time, many eyewitnesses have been lost.
However, the memory of the hero still comes back to the atrium of the palace, Sardiha station or the old haunts of the city. In this regard, Jhargram MLA Laxmikant Sau said, “Jhargram’s special place in the history of Bengali cinema needs to be shown to the next generation. Because, Mahanayak is not only a legend of Bengali cinema, but also a bright chapter in the cultural history of Jhargram. Jhargram Rajbari is a place to visit. And so, we are trying so that ordinary people and tourists can enter there. With the family members of the dynasty. There was a lot of talk.”
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