Usha Uthup, a legendary figure in Indian music, is renowned for her versatility and pioneering role in popularizing Indian pop and jazz. This post delves into her remarkable life, career, and contributions to the music industry.

Wiki/Biography

Born as Usha Vaidyanath Someshwar Sami Iyer on Friday, November 7, 1947, in Bombay (now Mumbai), Usha Uthup’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. She completed her schooling at St. Agnes High School, Mumbai. Her early life was filled with music, influenced by her family’s love for Western Classical and Carnatic music. She listened avidly to Radio Ceylon, a crucial part of her musical development.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 5′ 4″
• Weight (approx.): 82 kg
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Black

Family, Caste & Husband

Usha hails from a Tamil Brahmin family. Her father, Vaidyanath Someshwar Sami, served as a Deputy Commissioner in the Bombay Police. She has three sisters—Uma Pocha (doctor), Maya Sami (singer), and Indira Srinivasan (travel industry executive)—and a brother, Shyam Iyer.

She was married twice. Her first husband was Ramu Iyer. Following his passing, she married Jani Chacko Uthup (businessman), who sadly passed away on July 8, 2024, at the age of 78. She has a daughter, Anjali Uthup (radio jockey), and a son, Sunny Uthup (event manager).

Career

As A Singer

Usha’s singing career began with the Ovaltine Music Hour on Radio Ceylon, where she sang “Mockingbird Hill.” She performed in various shows throughout her teens. By 20, she was singing in Chennai nightclubs like Nine Gems, Trincas, and Talk of the Town (now Not Just Jazz by the Bay). Her talent was noticed by a film crew from the Navketan unit and Shashi Kapoor, leading to her film debut.

Her film debut as a playback singer was in the English movie Bombay Talkies (1970), followed by Devi (1970) in Bollywood. She later made her Malayalam debut with “Love is Just Around the Corner” in Chattakkari (1974), her Tamil debut with “Love Is Beautiful” in Melnattu Marumagal (1975), and her Telugu debut with the album Keechurallu (1991).

Her first album was recorded with Indian composer Luis Banks, for which she was paid Rs. 3500. Her extensive career has spanned numerous Indian and foreign languages.

As An Actor

Usha also ventured into acting, making her debut in the 1975 Tamil film Melnattu Marumagal. She appeared in Malayalam films (Pothan Vava in 2006), Kannada films (Parie in 2012), and had a special appearance in Bombay to Goa (1972).

Controversy

In 1983, Usha successfully defended herself against a defamation suit filed by Jatin Chakroborty, the then Public Works Minister of West Bengal, who had attempted to ban her from state-owned institutions.

Awards

Usha Uthup’s exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards:

• Padma Shri (2011)
• Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2011) for “Darling” from 7 Khoon Maaf
• Mirchi Music Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
• Padma Bhushan (2024)

Favourites

• Food: Bhel Puri, Pani Puri, Rasam, Sambhar, Kali Dal
• Actor: Shah Rukh Khan
• Actress: Deepika Padukone
• Sport: Cricket

Facts

Usha’s traditional South Indian upbringing is reflected in her signature look: a Kanjeevaram saree with a coin-sized bindi. She is fluent in several languages and has sung in over 16 Indian and six foreign languages. Despite lacking formal training, she grew up surrounded by music and developed a remarkable career.

Her experiences are diverse: from recording pop song covers in an EP titled “Love Story” to being an honorary citizen of Kenya; from performing charity concerts for Mother Teresa to judging reality singing shows. Her dedication to social causes and her extensive musical legacy make her a true icon.

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