CM presents Mahanayak Samman awards

Several film personalities and technicians of the Bengali film industry were also felicitated on this occasion.

Mahanayak Samman is the highest film award given by the West Bengal government for outstanding performance of the artists of Bengali cine-world. Bappi Lahiri has been awarded the Mahanayak Samman, lifetime award for his outstanding performances over the years. 

The award was instituted in the year 2012 in the memory of the legendary actor ‘Mahanayak’ Uttam Kumar. State Information and Cultural Affairs department on Saturday organised the programme at Nazrul Mancha where several film personalities, including veteran artists like Supriya Devi, Madhabi Mukherjee were also present along with the family members of the Uttam Kumar.

Banerjee, while speaking on the occasion announced that online ticket booking system would be introduced from August 1 so that number of movie buffs can watch films. Various films would be screened on Sunday morning for the viewers as well, Banerjee announced.

“We feel proud to give away Mahanayak Samman awards to felicitate the veteran artists for their outstanding performances. We can never forget legendary actor Uttam Kumar for what he has given to the world of cinema. The charismatic actor, his smiling face is still fresh in the memory of all Bengalis. Though, it is painful for us to recollect that he is not with us,” Banerjee said in the programme.

“We always try to remain by the side of the artists and technicians. We have introduced Mediclaim for 22,000 odd technicians. We instituted Banga Bibhushan awards, Sangeet Samman, Tele Samman to felicitate our cultural icons,” the Chief Minister added.