Jani Chacko Uthup, husband of Indian pop icon Usha Uthup, died in Kolkata on Monday, his family said.
What happened?
78-year-old Jani complained of uneasiness while watching TV at his home. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but doctors declared him dead, they said. He died of a heart attack.
Usha’s second husband Jani was associated with the tea plantation sector. They first met at the prestigious Trincas in the early 70s. Usha was previously married to the late Ramu.
Apart from Usha, she has a son Sunny and a daughter Anjali. The family said that the last rites will be performed on Tuesday.
About Usha Uthup
76-year-old Usha was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. She started her singing career from a nightclub in Chennai. She was spotted by veteran actor Dev Anand at a nightclub in Delhi, following which she made her Bollywood debut in 1971 with his directorial venture Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
She sang many songs for composers R.D. Burman and Bappi Lahiri in the disco era of the 1970s and 1980s, including One Two Cha Cha Cha, Hari Om Hari, Dost Se Pyar Kiya, Shaan Se, Ramba, Koi Yahan Aha Nache Nache, Naaka Bandi.
Recently, she has also sung Vande Mataram from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Darling from 7 Khoon Maaf and the title track of Drishyam 2 last year. She is also known for rendering memorable jingles such as the title theme of the popular TV show Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Amul.
Usha has also sung songs in several South Indian films including Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. She has also acted in a few films, most famously playing Priyanka Chopra’s house help Maggie Aunty in the 2011 black comedy 7 Khoon Maaf.
In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Usha said about receiving the Padma Bhushan earlier this year, “I couldn’t believe it. I got a call from the ministry in Delhi, and was told to keep it a secret until they announced it. I can imagine if I had learnt classical music… but I was someone who sang in all genres, whether it was jazz, folk or foreign languages. I started my career as a nightclub stage singer, and did whatever films I could find. They were all big hits, but one really wonders how this honour came.”
