Usha Uthup: ‘Strongly attached to idea of India even though much has changed’
While music entered her life without warning, Uthup was thrown out of her class choir “because the teacher could not find a proper place for my voice”.
Usha Uthup, the 79-year-old Indian singer, reflects on her strong attachment to the idea of India despite the changes over time. Born into a middle-class family with orthodox and patriotic values, she grew up in a world without barriers in Byculla, Mumbai. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of human respect and tolerance, as evidenced by her friendships with Muslim and Christian neighbours.
Uthup's childhood was filled with stories of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, which shaped her perspective on India. She expresses concern that the spirit of secularism has been lost in today's debates and disagreements. Despite not being a trained singer, Uthup began performing at the age of 21 and quickly gained recognition for her powerful voice and unique style, which blended various Indian languages and genres.
She became known for her ability to command the stage, often dressed in elegant silk sarees and traditional jewelry. Uthup's music career has been marked by versatility, incorporating influences from Western artists like Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Tom Jones, as well as contemporary pop hits. Her music continues to resonate with audiences today, as evidenced by her use of Adele's "Skyfall" in performances.
Uthup remains deeply connected to her roots and the values instilled in her during her formative years.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
