Usha Uthup's husband Jani Chacko Uthup complained of uneasiness while watching TV at his home. He said that he was taken to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared him dead. He said that he died of a heart attack. Jani Chacko Uthup worked in the tea plantation area. He met Usha at Popular Trinks in the early 70s. His last rites will be performed in Kolkata on Tuesday. Anjali Uthup paid tribute to her late father on social media.
She wrote, "Appa...gone too soon...but the way you lived was just as stylish...the most handsome man in the world...we love you, a true gentleman and Laurentian and a great tea taster."
Recently awarded with the Padma Bhushan
76-year-old Usha was recently honored with the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. Talking about receiving the Padma Bhushan earlier this year, Usha said, "I couldn't believe it. I got a call from the ministry in Delhi and was told to keep it a secret until they announce it. I can imagine if I had learned classical music. But I was someone who sang in all genres of 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 wonders how this honor came."
Usha Uthup’s popular songs
Usha Uthup started her singing career at 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 debut film
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, Dosto Se Pyar Kiya, Shaan Se, Ramba, Koi Yaha Aha Nache Nache, Naka Bandi.
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