Mithun Chakraborty Appointed Cultural Advisor by West Bengal Government
Mithun Chakraborty Takes on New Role
File image of Mithun Chakraborty and West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari(Photo: IANS)
Kolkata, Sep 4: On Friday, West Bengal's Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari revealed that renowned actor Mithun Chakraborty has been appointed as the new cultural advisor for the state.
This announcement was made during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the "Uttam Kumar Film Centre" in New Town, located on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. The project is set to be developed at a cost of ₹25 crore, which has already been approved by the state's information and cultural affairs department.
During his speech, the Chief Minister emphasized that the design of the film center will be entrusted to experts from the Bengali film industry, assuring that the government will not interfere in the creative process.
“It is essential that those involved in the industry have the freedom to execute their vision. Our role is to provide support without unnecessary interference,” he stated.
The upcoming film center in New Town will be inspired by the existing Nandan Cultural Centre located in Central Kolkata.
The infrastructure will be organized into three distinct sections. The first will include two cinema halls with a total seating capacity of 750, a preview theater, a food court, and parking amenities.
The second section will feature a large auditorium with 1,000 seats and an open-air theater for cultural performances. The third section will be dedicated to laboratories and studios focused on animation, visual effects, gaming, comics, extended reality, and film post-production.
The Chief Minister noted that soil testing and site selection have been completed, and the Detailed Project Report is currently in progress. Construction is expected to begin once the monsoon season concludes, with agencies under the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation taking charge.
He instructed the state’s Information and Culture Secretary, Soumitra Mohan, and WBHIDCO Managing Director, Bibhu Goel, to collaborate with the centenary committee to finalize the designs. Additionally, he mentioned that Mithun Chakraborty will serve as the cultural advisor, and notable figures from Tollywood will be honored in the days leading up to September 6.
The Chief Minister also clarified that the government will not be involved in the selection process for the honorees, stating, “The committee from the film industry will handle that.”