Usha Uthup Biography: Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Children, Parents, Songs, Instagram, Height, Wiki

Usha Iyer Uthup is a distinguished Indian singer renowned for her versatility in pop, film, jazz, and playback singing.

With a distinctive voice, she began her illustrious career in the late 1960s, rising to fame in the 1970s and 1980s.

Over the years, Uthup has lent her voice to numerous film soundtracks and served as a judge on various music reality shows. Known for her dynamic stage presence, she has performed on international platforms.

In recognition of her significant contributions to music, she was honored with the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Padma Bhushan in 2024.

Uthup is also celebrated for her iconic performances that often merge traditional attire with contemporary music.

Profile

• Full Name: Usha Uthup
• Stage Name: Usha Uthup
• Born: November 7, 1947
• Age: 77 years old
• Birthplace: Mumbai, India
• Nationality: Indian
• Occupation: Indian singer
• Height: 1.6m
• Parents: Sami Iyer
• Siblings: Uma Pocha, Indira Srinivasan, Maya Sami
• Spouse: Jani Chacko Uthup
• Children: Anjali Uthup, Sunny Uthup
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million and $5 million

Early Life And Education

Usha Uthup was born on November 7, 1947, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She was born to Vaidyanath Someshwar Sami Iyer, a police superintendent, and her mother, whose name is unknown.

She has three sisters—Uma Pocha, Indira Srinivasan, and Maya Sami—who are all singers, and two brothers, one of whom is named Shyam.

Usha completed her high school at St. Agnes High School in Byculla, Mumbai. She hails from a Tamil Brahmin Iyer family and practices Hinduism.

Career

Usha Uthup’s early life was shaped by a rich exposure to various musical genres, which laid the foundation for her distinct and versatile singing style.

Growing up in a household with eclectic musical tastes, she was introduced to Western classical, Hindustani, and Carnatic music.

Despite not receiving formal music training, Usha profoundly appreciated music. Her learning was further enriched by listening to Radio Ceylon and the influence of a musically inclined neighbor, allowing her to cultivate a deep connection with various forms of music.

Usha’s professional singing career began in 1969 at Nine Gems, a small nightclub in Chennai, where she performed in a saree and leg calipers, marking her unique stage presence.

Her talent quickly gained recognition, and she began performing at prestigious nightclubs, such as Trincas in Kolkata, where she met her future husband.

Usha’s entry into Bollywood came through an unexpected encounter with a film crew from Navketan while performing at a nightclub in Delhi.

This led to her debut in the film “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” (1971), where she sang an English verse, marking the beginning of her illustrious career in the film industry.

Usha Uthup is celebrated for her ability to blend Western pop with Indian instruments, creating a unique fusion that became her signature style.

Over the years, she has sung in more than 17 Indian and eight foreign languages, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Some of her most notable songs include “Ramba Ho Ho Ho,” “Hari Om Hari,” and “Koi Yahan Nache Nache,” with collaborations alongside legendary music directors like R.D. Burman, Ilayaraaja and A.R. Rahman.

Usha’s significant contributions to films such as “Dhol,” “Joggers’ Park,” and “Purab Aur Pachhim” have further solidified her legacy.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to music, Usha Uthup has been honored with the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Padma Bhushan in 2024, alongside other prestigious awards like the Rajiv Gandhi Purashkar for National Integration and the Mahila Shiromoni Purashkar for international peace.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @singerushauthup

Personal Life

Usha Uthup was married twice. Her first marriage was to Ramu, also known as Ramoji, but their relationship ended after she fell in love with Jani Chacko Uthup.

Usha and Jani met in 1969 at Trincas, a nightclub in Kolkata, while she was still married to Ramu. Their bond grew, leading Usha to leave her first husband for Jani.

Following her divorce from Ramu, Usha married Jani Chacko Uthup. Together, they had two children: a daughter, Anjali Uthup, and a son, Sunny Uthup.

Jani Chacko Uthup passed away on July 8, 2024, due to a cardiac arrest, leaving behind Usha and their children.

Discography

• Uber Cool: Usha Uthup (2016)
• 24 Carats (1981)
• Blast off (1984)
• Bengali Modern Songs
• Didi (2019)
• Garland of Gems (2011)
• Aha Tumi Sundari Kata Kolkata (1981)
• Kolkata (1994)
• Jhaal Moori (1996)
• “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” (1971)
• “One Two Cha Cha Cha” (1978)
• “Hari Om Hari” (1980)
• “Koi Yahan Aha Nache Nache” (1982)
• “Vande Mataram” (2001)
• “Darling” (2011)
• “Aami Shotti Bolchi” (2012)
• “Empuraane” (2019)
• “Phire Takao” (2022)

Net Worth

Usha Uthup’s net worth is estimated to range between $1 million and $5 million.

Her primary source of income stems from her illustrious singing career, which spans over five decades and includes performances in films, nightclubs, and concerts.

She has also earned from music albums and international collaborations. In addition, Usha has participated in numerous music reality shows and events, contributing to her overall wealth.