Renowned Indian pop singer Usha Uthup, recently honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government, has suffered a significant personal loss. Her husband, Jani Chacko Uthup, passed away on Monday in Kolkata. The family shared that Jani, 78, experienced discomfort while watching television at their residence. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead upon arrival. The cause of death was identified as a cardiac arrest.
Jani, Usha’s second husband, was associated with the tea plantation sector. The couple first met at the iconic Trincas nightclub in the early 1970s. Usha was previously married to the late Ramu. Jani is survived by his wife Usha, their son Sunny, and daughter Anjali. The family announced that the last rites would be performed on Tuesday.
Usha Uthup, 76, recently received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award from the Indian government. She began her illustrious singing career at a nightclub in Chennai. Legendary actor Dev Anand discovered her at a Delhi nightclub and facilitated her Bollywood debut with his 1971 directorial venture, Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Usha lent her voice to many hit songs for music composers RD Burman and Bappi Lahiri during the disco era. Some of her notable songs include “One Two Cha Cha Cha,” “Hari Om Hari,” “Doston Se Pyar Kiya,” “Shaan Se,” “Ramba,” “Koi Yahan Aha Nache Nache,” and “Naaka Bandi.” More recently, she has performed “Vande Mataram” from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, “Darling” from 7 Khoon Maaf, and the title track for Drishyam 2. Usha is also recognized for rendering the title theme of the popular TV show Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and memorable jingles like those for Amul.
Usha has an extensive portfolio in South Indian films, singing in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam languages. She has also ventured into acting, most notably playing Priyanka Chopra’s house help Maggie Aunty in the 2011 black comedy 7 Khoon Maaf.
In an exclusive interview with the Hindustan Times, Usha expressed her disbelief and joy upon receiving the Padma Bhushan earlier this year. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I got a call from the ministry in Delhi and was told to keep it under wraps until they announced it. I can imagine if I learned classical music… but I was someone who sings all genres, whether it’s jazz, folk, or foreign languages. I started my career as a nightclub stage singer and did whatever few films I got. They were all big hits, but one does really think how this honour happened.”
Sources By Agencies
