DYK Mahanayak Uttam Kumar's Lakshmi Puja Idol Was Modelled On His Wife Gauri Chatterjee?

Mahanayak

Uttam Kumar, perhaps continues to be the brightest luminary in the Bengal pantheon of stars. Decades after his passing – the legend breathed his last on July 23, 1980 – anecdotes from his personal life still manage to grab the attention of his fans, as much as his celluloid charisma. Back in Kolkata, and Bengal, as an extension, one of the many stories that circulate around the legend is about the Lakshmi Puja that is organised at his residence, right after the annual Durga Puja. Called Kojagari Laxmi Puja or Kojagari Lakshmi Puja, there are stories which suggest that the idol in his home each year is actually modelled on his wife, Gauri Chatterjee (who herself passed in 1963).

Lakshmi Puja In The House Of Uttam Kumar

Uttam Kumar was a cultural phenomenon. From the late 1940s till his untimely death in 1980, he reigned supreme on the Bengali silver screen, working alongside other legends Suchitra Sen, Sabitri Chatterjee, Supriya Devi. But beyond the glare of the spotlight, Uttam, whose real name was Arun Kumar Chatterjee, was a devoted family man, rooted in his traditions.Also Read: Durga Puja 2025: Why Does Cinema Deify Its Women? Worshipped, Yet Silenced Lakshmi Puja continues to hold a special significance in the Chatterjee household, with Mahanayak’s grandson Gourav Chatterjee taking on the helm. But not many know that unknowingly the puja also became an unusual tribute to Uttam’s wife Gauri Chattejee.

Gauri Chatterjee And Lakshmi Puja

It is believed, Uttam Kumar’s tryst with Lakshmi Puja began with inspiration. Having once witnessed the grandeur of Chhabi Biswas’s celebration, he was moved to bring the same devotion into his own home. During the shooting of Jodubhatta, Uttam came across a striking statue crafted by the gifted sculptor Niranjan Pal. Impressed by the artistry, he requested the artisan to create the idol for his family’s Lakshmi Puja. Agreeing to it, Pal, in preparation, visited Uttam Kumar’s residence.Also Read: Ray And Durga: Sharmila Tagore’s Tale Of Feminine Divine And The Damned In DeviIt was there he caught a glimpse of Gauri Devi, Uttam’s wife, from under her veil, while she was cleaning the house. Pal found her features lingering in his imagination and it is believed when he later sat down to shape the goddess, that fleeting image guided his hands. The face of the idol slowly took on the serene grace of Gauri Devi.This has, over the years, become a tradition. The Lakshmi idol at the Mahanayak’s home bears the likeness of his wife - his grihalakshmi in life, immortalised in clay as the goddess of prosperity.