New sculpture of celebrated actor Uttam Kumar in Kolkata draws flak from artists
A new statue of Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar has drawn sharp criticism from artists and opposition politicians for its poor aesthetic quality. Critics argue the work reflects a trend of commissioning art through bureaucratic tenders rather than artistic merit.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights tensions between political patronage in public art and the preservation of cultural standards.
Artists in West Bengal have expressed outrage over a statue of Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar, which was recently unveiled at Keoratala Crematorium in Kolkata by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. “Neither does the statue have any resemblance to the yesteryear superstar, nor is it a work of art,” said critics.
Uttam Kumar, who is known as the “ Mahanayak“ (superstar) of Bengali cinema, is held in high regard in the cultural circles of Bengal. However, this recently unveiled statue of the artist has left artists in the State unsettled.
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