Usha Uthup Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Usha Uthup is a legendary Indian playback singer, pop icon, and performer, known for her powerful, husky voice and unique style. With a career spanning over five decades, she has mesmerized audiences with hits like Hari Om Hari, One Two Cha Cha Cha, Ramba Ho, and soulful numbers like Darling (7 Khoon Maaf). Famous for singing in multiple Indian and international languages, Usha is a pioneer of Indian pop and jazz, while also making a significant mark in Bollywood playback singing.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Usha Uthup (née Iyer)
- Date of Birth: 7 November 1947
- Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer, Pop Artist, Performer
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Spouse: Jani Chacko Uthup
- Children: Anjali Uthup and Sunny Uthup
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 80 kg
- Hair Color: Black (usually tied in her signature bun with flowers)
- Eye Color: Black
Early Life & Family Background
Usha was born into a Tamil Iyer family in Mumbai. Though she was not formally trained in classical music, her love for singing was nurtured from an early age. As a schoolgirl, she often sang in radio shows and local concerts, standing out for her deep and unconventional voice.
Despite facing rejections in her early years for not having the “typical playback voice,” Usha’s passion for music helped her carve a unique niche in the Indian and international music scene.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Early Beginnings
In the late 1960s, Usha began performing in nightclubs in Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Her western songs, jazz numbers, and Hindi-English fusions gained her immense popularity among young audiences.
Bollywood Playback Success
Usha Uthup made her playback debut in Bollywood in the 1970s and went on to sing iconic numbers, such as:
- Hari Om Hari (Pyaara Dushman, 1980)
- One Two Cha Cha Cha (Shalimar, 1978)
- Ramba Ho (Armaan, 1981)
- Koi Yahaan Nache Nache (Disco Dancer, 1982)
- Darling (7 Khoon Maaf, 2011 – won Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer)
Indian Pop & Regional Music
Beyond Bollywood, Usha became the face of Indian pop and nightclub culture in the 70s and 80s. She also sang in multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Konkani, as well as international languages like English, French, and Swahili.
Her live concerts worldwide, with her signature saree and flower-adorned bun, created a distinct image loved by fans across generations.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Bhushan (2024) – India’s third-highest civilian award.
- Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (2011) – Darling (7 Khoon Maaf).
- Numerous state and cultural awards for her contribution to Indian music.
- Recognized globally as the pioneer of Indian pop, jazz, and fusion singing.
Personal Life
Usha Uthup married Jani Chacko Uthup, a tea planter from Kerala. They have two children, Anjali Uthup and Sunny Uthup. Known for her warm personality and trademark traditional saree with heavy jewelry, Usha is admired not just as a singer but also as a cultural icon.
Legacy & Influence
Usha Uthup is more than a playback singer—she is a trailblazer who redefined Indian pop music. Her bold voice, multilingual versatility, and ability to blend Indian and Western styles made her one of the most unique artists in the country. With her evergreen charm and global performances, she continues to inspire new-age singers to break stereotypes and embrace individuality in music.
FAQs
1. What is Usha Uthup’s most famous Bollywood song?
Hari Om Hari and Darling are among her biggest hits.
2. Has Usha Uthup won a Filmfare Award?
Yes, she won for Darling (7 Khoon Maaf, 2011).
3. Did Usha Uthup receive any civilian award?
Yes, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2024.
4. In how many languages has she sung?
Usha has sung in more than 15 Indian and international languages.
5. Why is Usha Uthup considered iconic?
Because she pioneered Indian pop and jazz, broke stereotypes with her bold voice, and became a global music ambassador.
