Not rivals but competitors: Soumitra Chatterjee

Fondly remembering the shooting experiences with 'elder brother' Uttam Kumar, thespian Soumitra Chatterjee says he used to crack jokes during shoots which the matineee idol enjoyed.
"I used to call him Uttamda since he was seven-eight years older than me. Being very affectionate towards me, he sometimes chided me when I pulled up his legs in between shots at set. Asking people around to take me away from the location in mock humour," Soumitra said at the 'Maha Nayak' programme.
Pointing out they were competitors but mot rivals, the 'Jhinder Bandi' actor, where both were pitted opposite, said, "I knew Uttamda ever since he was a Kolkata Port Trust employee before becoming a star. We had met at theatre beforehand."

"Any talk about our rivalry is baseless as few know how much caring he was. He once dragged me for jogging to stay and look fit and trim as hero at the crack of dawn. I woke up in the dawn hearing commotion in the lane outside and then he called me aloud. Waving to the crowd around the austin we both got inside and drove away - to the lake area," Soumitra, having got a new break in 'Apur Sansar' said.
The 92.7 BIG FM hosted the programme where actors having shared celluloid frame with Uttam Kumar, like Chinoy Roy, recounted tales.