Amitabh Bachchan recently took a nostalgic trip through his memories of Kolkata while hosting an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. During his conversation with contestant Shourjya Das, the veteran actor recalled the city’s famous Park Street, its restaurants and the live music scene that made the area a prominent part of Kolkata’s nightlife. His recollections also brought attention to singer Usha Uthup’s long association with the iconic stretch.
Bachchan remembers Park Street evenings
Bachchan, who worked in Kolkata during the 1960s, spoke warmly about the evenings he spent in the city. Recalling Park Street during his younger years, he described the concentration of restaurants along the road and the distinctive atmosphere they created.
The actor said that Park Street had been an important source of nighttime entertainment and marvelled at the number of restaurants located close to one another. He recalled that several establishments could be found within a short distance, each offering its own experience.
For Bachchan, the area represented more than just a collection of restaurants. It was closely connected with Kolkata’s social and cultural life, particularly during an era when live performances were an important part of the city’s entertainment landscape.
Usha Uthup’s connection to Park Street
During his recollection, Bachchan also mentioned musicians who performed at popular Park Street venues, including Usha Uthup and Louis Banks.
Uthup has a particularly notable history with the area. After moving to Kolkata, she began her professional singing career at a Park Street restaurant in 1969. Her performances eventually helped establish her as one of the distinctive voices associated with India’s live music circuit.
Her career has also been closely linked with her stage presentation. Uthup has previously spoken about choosing to perform in traditional sarees at a time when Western music and fashion were prominent features of nightclub performances.
Memories of famous personalities
Uthup has also recalled performing for audiences that included several well-known personalities from Indian cinema and culture. Among those she has mentioned in her memories is Bachchan, along with celebrated figures such as filmmaker Satyajit Ray, actor Uttam Kumar and actress Sharmila Tagore.
These recollections highlight the role Park Street restaurants once played as meeting points for performers, artists, filmmakers and audiences. Live music was central to the atmosphere, with singers and musicians becoming familiar faces for regular visitors.
Bachchan’s comments on Kaun Banega Crorepati offered another perspective on that period, connecting his own memories of Kolkata with the city’s musical history.
Kolkata’s food also finds a place in Bachchan’s memories
The actor’s nostalgia extended beyond music and nightlife. Bachchan also spoke about Kolkata’s food culture, recalling dishes and establishments that have become associated with the city’s culinary identity.
He specifically mentioned Nizam’s, known for its kebabs and rolls, while reflecting on the variety of food that formed part of his memories of Kolkata.
His comments presented Park Street and the surrounding city as a combination of food, music and social life. For viewers, the recollection provided a glimpse into Bachchan’s personal connection with Kolkata and the cultural environment he experienced while working there decades ago.
Kolkata’s enduring cultural identity
Bachchan’s memories also underline how Park Street has remained an important reference point in discussions about Kolkata’s entertainment history. The area’s restaurants, music venues and food culture have long been associated with the city’s cosmopolitan character.
Uthup’s professional beginnings there form an important part of that history, while Bachchan’s recollections offer a personal connection to the same period. Together, the stories illustrate how music, cinema, food and nightlife intersected in Kolkata’s cultural landscape.