What is the 'History of Bengali Cinema and Mahanayak' exhibition at the Kolkata Book Fair?

It's a special exhibition at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair celebrating Mahanayak Uttam Kumar's birth centenary with rare artifacts and a look at Bengali cinema's history.

When is the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair happening?

The book fair is scheduled from January 22 to February 3, 2026, at the Salt Lake Central Park fair ground.

Besides Uttam Kumar, who else is being honored at the 2026 Kolkata Book Fair?

The fair also commemorates author Mahasweta Devi and celebrates the birth centenaries of singers and composers Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Kolkata Book Fair: A Tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar

Kolkata Book Fair: A Tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar

21 Dec

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Summary

A special hall will showcase rare items of Uttam Kumar and Bengali cinema.
The exhibition will feature costumes, scripts, and handwritten notes.
The fair also celebrates Mahasweta Devi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury.

Kolkata Book Fair: A Tribute to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar

The upcoming 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, scheduled from January 22 to February 3, 2026, will feature a dedicated exhibition hall titled "History of Bengali Cinema and Mahanayak." This special tribute celebrates the birth centenary of the legendary actor Uttam Kumar, offering attendees a deeply nostalgic experience.

The exhibition hall, designed to resemble a classic single-screen cinema, will display an array of rare and previously unseen materials. These include personal photographs, film stills, scripts, letters, and costumes associated with Uttam Kumar, alongside vintage cinema tickets and posters, charting the evolution of Bengali cinema.

Beyond the Uttam Kumar tribute, the book fair will also honor the birth centenary of author Mahasweta Devi by naming an auditorium in her memory. Celebrations for Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury are also planned, alongside Argentina being the focal theme country.