Usha Uthup Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, often triggered by something small – a trinket, a smell, a dish, a book, or even a sound. One such voice is that of Indian pop icon Usha Uthup, whose deep, familiar voice resonates across generations.
“You must remain relevant, otherwise you will be left behind,” says Usha, at the age of 77, as she prepares to perform for the new generation. People still want retro and still want to listen to old songs, so I have to reach the hearts of young people,” she says over a video call from Bengaluru. Usha will perform at the NH7 Weekender in Pune on December 14 and 15 along with artistes like Amit Trivedi, Raftaar and King.
With over 50 years of experience, Usha has earned wide appreciation. From starting out as a nightclub singer at Nine Gems in Chennai to receiving the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, her journey has been remarkable. “For me, every award is important, but Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan mean a lot to me because it means that your government and your people appreciate the work you are doing,” she shares. Recalling that moment, she laughs, “I was nervous, but it was very exciting to be recognized because I am a nightclub singer in a saree after all.”
Her signature style – the saree, flowers in the hair, bangles and her iconic bindi – has remained unchanged. “I would say, it’s an extension of my personality. I believe fashion is comfortable and sustainable,” says Usha, emphasizing the importance of being comfortable in your own skin. “I never tried to be anything else. I come from a middle-class South Indian traditional family, and everyone from my mother to my grandmother wore sarees, so I wore sarees. It was just natural,” she adds, placing another bangle on her wrist.
Usha Uthup Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Over the years, Usha has given unforgettable performances, including her version of Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ and a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer S Janaki at the 2016 South Indian International Movie Awards. She recalls that one of the highlights of her career was singing with South African singer-songwriter Miriam Makeba when she toured there 25 years ago. , “When I went to South Africa and met Nelson Mandela, he asked me if he could do something for me, and I told him I wanted to meet Miriam Makeba, and she was on my show the next day,” she Tells. ,
As an artiste who has explored different genres and languages, Usha has a talent for reading her audience. “I am a people’s person and for me it matters what they want. I choose my style or language based on what I see in my audience, or what I can experience in them,” she says, adding that her extensive song collection is her strength. Looking back at her NH7 Weekender performance, she says, “I am looking forward to NH7, and it is going to be a mixed bag. Since we will be in Pune, I will definitely perform something in Marathi.
NH7 Weekender will be held on 14th and 15th December at Tirtha Fields, Pune. Tickets are available starting at ₹2,999 on insider.in.
published – December 06, 2024 04:34 PM IST
