Utpal Dutt Birth Anniversary: A Theater Revolutionary & Iconic Bollywood Actor

Indian cinema and theatre veteran Utpal Dutt's name needs no introduction; he was not only a great actor but also left his mark as a playwright, director, and writer. He still lives in the hearts of cine lovers due to his unique acting style, satirical dialogue delivery, and excellent comic talent. Today, on the occasion of his birthday, let's take a look at his life, career, and contribution.

He became associated with theatre.

Utpal Dutt was born on 29 March 1929 in Barisal, Bengal (now in Bangladesh). He completed his early education at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He was interested in art and literature since childhood and became associated with theater during his college days.

Apart from Bollywood, Utpal sahab also played many iconic characters in Bengali films. His film Golmaal with Amol Palekar is still remembered. This comedy film was loved by the audience and is considered an all-time hit. Very few people are aware that Amitabh Bachchan's film Saat Hindustani was Utpal Kant's first film. On Utpal Dutt's 93rd birth anniversary, we will know some interesting facts related to him.

Born in Barisal Bengal (today's Bangladesh), Utpal did his early education from Shillong. From here his father sent him to Kolkata for further studies. After studying English literature at Kolkata's 'St. Xavier's' College, he joined Bengali theatre, he worked in theatre for a long time. Utpal Dutt also worked with 'Shakespeare International Theatre Company' many times. Utpal, who started his film career with the film Saat Hindustani, was a founding member of the Indian Theatre Association. He impressed everyone by playing the role of a villain in big-budget films like Amitabh Bachchan starrer The Great Gambler and Inquilaab.

Family

It was in the year 1940 when Utpal was associated with English theatre. If we talk about his films, they include many films like Golmaal, Naram-Garam, Michael, Madhusudan, Guddi, Rang Birangi and Shaukeen. Utpal got married in the year 1960, he married theatre and film actress Shobha Sen. His daughter's name is Bishnupriya Dutt. Bishnupriya is a professor in the field of arts and aesthetics and theatre performance studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Utpal Dutt died of a heart attack in Kolkata in the year 1993.

Had to go to jail

In the year 1965, Utpal Dutt had to go to jail for several months. Because Utpal Dutt was an artist as well as a great Marxist revolutionary. Many Bengali plays written and directed by him have been in controversies. His play 'Kallol', which showed the story of the naval revolt in 1963, was also in controversy. Through this play, the then Congress government was targeted. After this Utpal Dutt had to go to jail. At the same time, in the year 1967, Congress had to face defeat in the Bengal Assembly elections. Utpal Dutt's arrest was also considered to be the reason for Congress's defeat. After the Emergency, the then government banned three plays written by Utpal. Whose names are Barricade, City of Nightmares and Enter the King.

Journey from stage to cinema

Started career with theater

Utpal Dutt's love for theatre drew him towards the stage from his college days. He was deeply influenced by Shakespeare's plays and acted in many English plays. In 1947, he joined the 'Shakespeareana Theatre Company' and acted in various plays.

Later, he turned to Bengali theatre and started working in plays based on social and political themes. He played an important role in promoting the "Group Theatre" movement and attacked the evils of society and political conditions through his plays. His famous plays include Kallol , Teen Adhikari , and Mahakal .

Entry into Films

After immense success in theatre, Utpal Dutt moved towards films. He started working in Bengali cinema in the 1950s. He got national recognition through Satyajit Ray's films. His first popular film was Bhuvan Shome (1969), which made him famous across the country and he was awarded the National Film Award.

Utpal Dutt in Hindi Cinema

Utpal Dutt mainly played comic and villainous roles in Hindi cinema. His unique style, dialogue delivery and facial expressions made him different from other actors. He worked in many hit films in the 1970s and 1980s.

Top Hindi Movies

Golmaal (1979) - In this film he played the role of Bhavani Shankar, a strict and disciplinarian man who follows traditions. His character is still considered one of the best comic characters of Hindi cinema.

Naram Garam (1981) – In this film too, he tickled the audience with his comic acting.

Shaukeen (1982) – Utpal Dutt won the hearts of the audience with his excellent acting in this film based on the story of three old friends.

Rang Birangi (1983) – His comic style in this film was liked by the audience.

Honours and Awards

1. National Film Awards – National Award for Best Actor for Bhuvan Shome (1969).

2. Filmfare Awards – Filmfare Award for Best Comedian for films like Gol Maal (1979) and Rang Birangi (1983).

3. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – For his outstanding contribution to theatre.

4. Bengal Film Journalists Awards – For outstanding contribution to Bengali cinema.

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