The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair is set to become a pilgrimage site for cinephiles and literature lovers alike. In a grand tribute to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, the fair will feature a special exhibition hall dedicated entirely to the icon and the history of Bengali cinema. The fair is scheduled to be held from January 22 to February 3, 2026, at the Salt Lake Central Park fair ground.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Bengali Cinema
Curated by Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya, the special hall, titled "History of Bengali Cinema and Mahanayak," promises an immersive, nostalgic experience. It will be uniquely designed to resemble a classic single-screen movie hall, transporting visitors back in time. The exhibition aims to chronologically chart the evolution of Bengali cinema, with Uttam Kumar at its heart.
Visitors will be treated to a treasure trove of memorabilia that has rarely, if ever, been displayed publicly. The collection includes rare and previously unseen photographs, film stills, original scripts, personal letters, newspaper clippings, and iconic costumes worn by Uttam Kumar himself. Adding to the vintage atmosphere will be exhibits of old cinema tickets, vintage cut-outs, and classic movie posters.
Rare Artifacts and Centenary Tributes
The exhibition's scope extends beyond Uttam Kumar to celebrate Bengali cinema's rich heritage. Bhattacharya revealed that highlights will include the dotara used in Satyajit Ray's 'Hirak Rajar Deshe' and the master filmmaker's own handwritten script. Other prized items are film photos from the silent era, lobby cards, booklets, and shooting props from classics like 'Shatranj Ke Khilari'.
Tridib Chatterjee, General Secretary of The Publishers and Booksellers Guild (the fair's organiser), emphasised the uniqueness of this initiative. He stated that for the first time in the book fair's history, the rarest items tracing Uttam Kumar's cinematic journey—from his debut to his final film—will be assembled in a photo album format for public viewing.
Celebrating Literary and Musical Legends
The 2026 edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair (IKBF) will be a multi-faceted cultural extravaganza. Alongside the cinema exhibition, the fair will honour the birth centenary of renowned author and activist Mahasweta Devi by naming an auditorium after her.
Furthermore, special cultural programmes and interactive sessions are planned to celebrate the centenary years of musical maestros Bhupen Hazarika and Salil Chowdhury. In a global literary outreach, Argentina has been chosen as the focal theme country for this edition, marking the first time the South American nation receives this honour at the fair.
The special exhibition hall is a collaborative effort between The Publishers and Booksellers Guild, the cultural platform 'Kolkata Kathokata', and the 'Art Alinda Archive'. This initiative underscores the book fair's evolving identity as a comprehensive hub of art, culture, and history, offering Kolkatans and visitors a deep dive into the legacies that have shaped the region's creative soul.
