Usha Uthup on her husband's demise, grief, Bollywood music and more | Indie'N Folk Project

In this week's episode of Indie'N Folk Project, we have the legendary singer - Usha Uthup. She has been the voice behind songs like Hari Om Hari, Dum Maro Dum, Darling and many more.
The episode starts off on a fun note where Usha Uthup scolds Peeyush for being a show off and tells him to call her - Didi or Dhee- Dhee. They go on to discuss Peeyush's connection to South Indian culture.
Peeyush compliments Usha Uthup for her choice of sarees and asks her about Is saree a symbol for her or her identity. Usha Uthup explains how in initial days during her shows in South Africa audience used to judge her by her attire but once she started singing Elvis Presley songs and Beetle songs, they loved her and slowly from being her saree became a symbol she wanted to carry. She expresses her love for India and how saree represents India - Globally.
They go on to discuss about Instagram and new trends. Usha tells Peeyush how her grandchildren ask her to make reels on Instagram but only thing she knows is youtubers like - Sid Sriram, Jonita Gandhi and a music band called - Delete.
Peeyush asks her about how she dealt with grief referring to the news to Usha Uthup's husband demise. She tells him about her marital relationship and the day she lost her husband - Jani Chacko in Kolkata after a cardiac arrest. She tells how it she had just signed the song lately and while singing she breaks down.
She tells Peeyush about Jani and her romantic relationship and how Jani helped Usha Uthup in her career and winning Padma Bhushan.
She jokes how she has acted with great actors like Mamuka, Kamla Hassan, Amitabh Bachchan and Anu Kapoor and then on request sings a Malayali Song for Fever FM's CEO - Ramesh Menon.
Peeyush talks about self-doubt and how usha uthup was a strong voice in times of melodious voices. Usha Uthup tells Peeyush how self-doubt was one thing which never occurred to her but remembers how a ban was put on her by government of West Bengal and she had to fight a case against them since they believed she is bad influence on west Bengal people.
This was the time when Usha Uthup turned to pick rabindra sangeet and when asked about does she flourish under pressure Usha shows her half bitten nails symbolizing her nervousness before a live performance.
Peeyush asks Usha Uthup if she thinks independent and bollywood music can co- exist. Usha tells him it's not possible since the music industry is not tuned to that. She tells him how she has never bothered about Royalities, copyright like west. She expresses her gratitude for starting as a night club singer, since she has her english sings to make her different from regular Bollywood music.
Conversation ends with her singing the famous song - darling.
Watch all videos here: rb.gy/w8jaw7
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[@gayathrikeshavan6417]

I admire her .. for her singing , sense of humour, honest talk, her approach to life.. and .. and .. etc. She is special! Proud of her.

[@nandurivijayaln4531]

Only two ladies have in my opinion have earned respect in a saree globally are Usha Uthup ji and Sudha Murthy ji

[@Cappuccino391]

Not Sudha M..don't agree

[@veenakamat7390]

What respect? Sudha Murthy's infosys evaded GST of 32000 crores. So, all that simplicity ka natak and meethi meethi baatein for camera don't compensate for ethics. In any other country, she would be arrested.

[@dr.upasanaupadhyay8013]

मालिनी अवस्थी जी

[@architamaheshwari7319]

Sushma swarj

[@KrishnaTrails]

Definitely not Sudha 😂😂😂😂

[@sravankumar3502]

She is the pop star of 20th century..kamaal hai..no one could ever beat her

[@maharshiswarna6208]

Sravan uthup, Guntur Janaki

[@ruchitabonde8528]

Usha ji is the most underrated artist in my opinion. I once went to her concert and I was blown away by her performance and stage presence 😍🤩🎉❤️

[@antyest]

Met her backstage at Shanmukanand Hall & I was finding it impossible to describe her enigma & performance & I started "ma'am, you are...." She completed the sentence adding, "I know I know, I am awesome"

[@ranjanadasgupta1915]

I think she is the original Diva and an institution. Heard her at our college festival Milieu about 36 years back and oh my God! She was simply awesome! Then heard her at the KalaGhoda festival in Mumbai about 8-9 years back. She had the same booming voice, awesome presence and got the crowds into a frenzy. Her voice is so so unique and gorgeous. She is such an honest, genuine, humble and fabulous person. She is so generous with her praise for other singers which most celebrity singers are not. That shows what a big person she is. Simply love her 💕💕💕. My heartfelt condolences Ma’m on the loss of your beloved husband.

[@deenasuchitha1274]

Usha Uthup is so original and so true. I have had the pleasure of meeting her in person @ my son's school - I tapped her and told her - I am glad that she is a Woman! God bless you darling USHA!

[@SS-ex4bp]

Ushadidi is always a delight to watch- whether singing or talking. She’s humble in person too. I have met her. I cried when she spoke about losing her husband. It reminded me of losing my father two years ago.

[@bhanubhat1683]

Tears trickled down my cheeks as I went on listening to your depth of love towards your darling husband recently who passed away ,I remembered my own life and terrible grief I underwent on loosing my beloved husband who died at the age of 54 ,30 years back ,,,,even today I am unable to accept that he is no more he was like that ,I am living because I have to live ,one thing ,,,before he gone he made me self sufficient and showed me the path of light ,I am following his guidelines and living in his memory As you said ,my husband too wanted me to grow ,for this he encouraged me totally,, I understand your grief I love your child like heart your voice,your sense of humor ,in one word ,,,,my life is almost similar to that of your's Thank you for this heart touching video may your lovely husband's soul be blessed by God Love you madam smt Usha uthupji ,,all glory to you

[@rupabanerjee939]

Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go - Jamie Anderson.

[@bhanubhat1683]

@@rupabanerjee939 respected madamji ,thank you for your words of compassion,,and solacing touching comment , indeed ,only people who are loved by their spouses unconditionally ,they alone understand the pain of grief or as you say the beauty of pure love ,, It is unconditional love that keeps people going, irrespective of the trails and tribulations they have to face in their life ,,,,well life goes on till the last breath ,,,I have no complaints ,nor any demands , God gave me guiless love in the form of my husband ,that's what matters,I am grateful to kind God ,,, once again thank you madamji

[@sushmitachatterjee3437]

​@@rupabanerjee939So rightly said

[@margaretkallat5506]

Ushaji we love u. U have a great voice. Happy to know that u lived a happy married life of 54 years. Nobody lives so many years. God bless u and may yr husbands soul rest in peace. Thanku mam for yr great singing that u did for all of us in this past so many years. God bless u.

[@ahaaafood]

How can there be so similarities my husband also was a man of few words, he also could not pronounce some names , his last movie was kapildev 83 , he was a sportsman ,he was an early riser, he also passed away in few seconds and reached hospital with no pulse, cardiac arrest..A life without him is Difficult ,a good companion ...I can so relate to Usha mam😢

[@shantisen6102]

When you started singing at Trinkas, my parents had gone to there. When they came home, my father who did not care for pop music remarked that there was a new singer who had a fantastic voice. I was shocked because I had never heard him speak so highly of any singer. The next weekend I went with them n heard you singing n was bowled over. The rest is history.

[@rachelmathew5123]

So sorry to hear about Ushaji.s husband.s demise.be in peace.we all go through once in our life time today or some other time.condolences&prayers.❤

[@ravilatha4990]

One of a kind,not pretentious,enjoys her singing as much as we love it! Keep going Usha! Youre an incomparable entertainer!

[@arkay292]

Year 1967. The first time I heard Usha Iyer(Uthup) at the Trincas in the then Calcutta. I remember she singing" Pata pata"by Miriam Makeba. Wow what an experience. She is indeed a legend. I bow🙇‍♂️

[@nickismail8476]

Outstanding lady,very upfront and outright .One who loves to be on her own terms and no compromises.Earlier long time ago say 20 yrs ago I was not her fan mainly for her looks and her personality but now I have all the respect and love for her.Salute to her long lasting marriage and condolences to her husband of 54 years and she is still holding herself together after her two great losses in matter of couple of months Hopefully she will be strong and carry on her career.

[@Aksmikade-ke6nd]

I love you Uschadi

[@surajithkm]

Eventhough I have listened to her Music half a dozen times mostly in Kerala, I was blown out when she did her program in Shillong. Was so happy to see the Khasi crowd getting crazy, singing along with her mostly Western numbers. Crowd gets carried away with Usha's style. Keep it going.

[@ramaraotenneti8666]

One of the most honest conversations I ever heard. Thanks to Piyush. Usha amma, three generations will remain your admirers. Pranams.

[@girijachandran7187]

Very very soth indian. I am in love with my sarees.so many varieties of fabrics in south india.even in Kanjeevaram we have cotton kanjeevaram.anywhete you go, we saree people stand out and so elegant.

[@Randomest_Stories]

She is so funny and so sweet. I am so happy she had such a happy married life! These days we dont hear of that much na. ❤

[@NEWERAHARMONICA6]

Yes, very true.

[@treffydsouza6245]

She is my favorite of all times. My brother first told me abt her when he saw her perform at a club in Calcutta. He is a shippy. So when the ship docked in there, a grp of boys would visit the club. From that time till now I never miss an opportunity to hear her songs. I too have lost my husband. He too was a man of few words like hers. He too had a sudden death and left without saying a word to me. Like her I too have accepted God's will. Luv you Usha. God bless you.

[@letchumirchandran5904]

Superb! very 'brave' lady--first time heard her singing--wow! the voice, the person-SUPERB!

[@vinikh8312]

I m die hard fan of Usha Uthup...I saw her singing in Army officer's institute,Kolkata and at that time i was just in 2nd or 3rd class and after listening her i was in awe...and still am...and trust me ma'am i love u so much in sari&ur round bindi...cos of u sari is my favourite outfit which can never go wrong when it comes to Indian women outfit!!Respect& love Ma'am🥰

[@parvathiumenon3331]

She is a true human being.god bless you Usha Aunty.

[@lalitasinha9586]

Greetings from Malaysia! Usha Uthup.I Love you love your spirit and surely, your indefatigable voice. Jai Usha!

[@DaisyDil]

She is unique, very modern, independent, stylish and posh but always in traditional wear. I've never seen her without a joyful smile in any of her music programmes. She is angelic and pure without any jealousy or competition with others. Happiness inside her visible in her face. Never aging charismatic person she is. Though I love classical music, can't let go her songs such a hypnotizing voice, appearance and personality she has. Usha Ji, ❤❤❤❤ love and hugs from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰!

[@sushamakk8426]

Didi, you are always very close to us and always our prayers with you. ❤

[@MeenakshiAnantram]

No one like Ushakka. She is the original. Bless her

[@UshaSeruwam]

Usha Udup in her elements with her Eloquent and elegant interview with impeccable old school English forgotten by the present generation. She made the Saree fashionable and Rocks it! Would have loved to listened to a Tamil Song!

[@karengtlow]

I'm in tears . You have touched my heart ma'am. I dont even know who you are. I stumbled upon this clip by good chance. ❤

[@Bharatanatyampadma]

A great lady, with a great voice, love her

[@sangeetharavichandran1257]

Its always a delight to watch her. Always seen her cheerful..it just broke my heart to see her cry..emotional...love you Usha di..❤

[@sujathasengupta4428]

Usha mam has not got her due as much as we would want - in terms of official recognition but she has always been relevant and adored by many generations . My parents used to frequent trincas to hear her her and generations later their grandchild (my daughter) has 11:04 mam’s songs on her playlist a. She doesn’t need any awards , she is beyond that , our best wishes always and she has gods blessings in her and her family

[@senseprevails24]

The industry politics are absolute shit. Someone like Usha ji deserves much more ❤❤❤❤. I pray she continues to live life to the fullest, amidst her personal grief and challenges.

[@vijayapavani8264]

Usha Uthup is role model in attire traditional in dressing but modern when in her song, my most favourite singer . Wish u long life amma

[@flyingwithnamrata3686]

Mene unka interview Kiya hai she is really very humble ❤ I have great memories with her❤

[@elizabeththarakan4852]

I love her. When we lived in Bombay years back, 2:55 we would pass Talk of the Town and say that Usha Iyer used to sing here. I am now a grandmother living in Canada and I am still listening to her. I have seen some of her shows and she even came to our College in Ernakulam, St. Teresa's to judge a college beauty pageant. I am a fan, Usha Uthup. Love you.

[@christinealpha5058]

Usha and her sisters are ex Agnesians from Mumbai.... She was invited to sing when our school St Agnes (Convent of Jesus and Mary), Clare Road, Mumbai celebrated its 100th anniversary...... Such a beautiful lady and an absolute entertainer through and through

[@ramaraotenneti8666]

A remarkable woman. Rarely found are such persons. Teaches us how to live...

[@lupikokni485]

Amazing Usha!What a fantastic singer and I'm so proud we were at the same school . Love this interview!

[@sandhyakrishnan3361]

I have grown up listening to her songs and admire her in Sari...and her voice....out of words.

[@treffydsouza6245]

Yes her husband let her fly. Bless his soul. You are strength personified. Much to emulate from you Usha.

[@zedkay5145]

Usha is my favourite i always feel bollywood lost it by not giving her more songs, she is tooooooo good

[@girijachandran7187]

Usha ji I met your husband in my Boss' chamber.he used to visit him quite often and he gave me the feeling he was a very reserved person and my boss being a Rajput also was like him very reserved but was a wonderful boss to me for over fourteen years. Both must be meeting for lunch in the thither world too.

[@elizabethmohammed4664]

The amazing Usha di no one can touch her.❤

[@mohuasen7233]

Love u Ushadi……..for everything-u r a wonderful person

[@benfernandezmusic]

Fantastic interview. You were a fantastic moderator Peeyush. Cool questions and you gave Usha the time and space to express herself so eloquently. Enjoyed her version of the Stevie Wonder song ‘Lately’.

[@hami22]

Lovely interview, a great lady. True trailblazer ❤ Sudhir Srinivasan , film critic of Cinema express has a similar voice like Peeyush

[@udhaya1srinivasan198]

He says "you look so hot". Again he says "you look so hot in a saree". Most unnecessary. But she just gracefully glossed over his stupid remark.

[@PavithrasUniverse]

Grace elegance class should be right words

[@Deepsingh-em4hp]

OMG! Her aura can make anyone speechless.

[@irinewilson4586]

A Sweet soul with no any attitude ❤❤❤ DARLING

[@jaigangadharmusicschoolmad3329]

I love Usha ji such brave and talented lady❤❤❤

[@smitaratnakar7185]

All respects for her originality! She has her own charm! Just too good!

[@starinvestmentservicestari3455]

We respect you, madam. You are very humble..

[@snehalathaedward677]

😢 Soo sorry to know about ,sad demise of Usha Mam's hubby. She is a sweet heart. I love her.She is not only a good singer ,but a great human being.

[@neshatnawaz]

Fantastic singer & a most amazing person.May your husband rest in eternal peace 🇨🇨

[@ravib7420]

A modern look but she is very much rooted to our culture her credit

[@zarinekharshiing2047]

I have always loved Usha ji...she is just so beautiful and her voice is unparalleled ❤

[@GD-cr5um]

She was so proud when I saw her 20 yrs ago in a mall

[@mechtronixtechnologies4471]

Lovely and lively interview. Usha ma'am, as always, you rock. Love your charismatic personality. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@MKhan-ko2ch]

Usha ji ❤❤❤❤❤❤ you are greatest singers and you said Sid Sriram I was happy as I found him a great singer ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ranidevadas1163]

Madam my deep condolence. I cant see you crying. Rip to sir and your brother. Om Shanthi om.love you madam.❤

[@indushivkumar6096]

❤she is staying strong and it good to see her grace . Truely blessed

[@anisparekh8349]

❤ I've heard singing at Gazebo. We enjoyed the evening. N made it a point of coming for coffee n to listen to u very often. I were very entertaining

[@sreekala28]

she is so humble ,grounded and true woman in all ways❤❤

[@ranousman-st5ib]

Love to Ushna Uthup jee. You and your voice are beautiful. Love to you from Lahore.

[@rirox9196]

My favourite - Usha Uthup❤🤗

[@vathsalagshasthri]

I really like her singing. I have her signature ❤ signed in my music book.

[@shonaliranade4031]

My favourite lady on the show❤ ..Usha mam a huge fan of ur voice and the way u carry yourself ❤️ lots of love😍🧿

[@bindhuliju3937]

Love you Dhee Dhee...Condolences for your big loses.May God strengthen you

[@christinapereira8894]

Usha Utap is the best.God bless het she has no ego

[@lisaac4898]

I really enjoyed your natural way of answering questions....i really enjoyed your singing right from the 70s....and still do

[@myraxavier9263]

Deepest condolences to you, may his soul rest in peace. Met you in Goa , many many years ago., in a store, you wete shopping Beautiful interview

[@harishmadhavan2116]

She is one in a million ❤ all time legend

[@sushilavashishta9981]

Lots of respect to great Usha Uthup ji

[@DrSuhaniMendonsa]

Fantastic interview!! Love the way it started and was great sharing. Have always been a great fan of Usha Uthup and used to love her live performances, especially at Jazz By The Bay in Mumbai .

[@ftfskilldevelopment4094]

I love usha uthap a lot. I would like to meet her once in my entire life. I do not it will happen. but that my wish. I do not know the interviewer's name, you are so impressive.

[@nanthakumarniros1626]

"Usha Madam, you are such a wonderful soul. May God bless you forever."

[@succurinafernandes8541]

Sorry to hear about your husband passed over my condolences to u and the fly may god shower blessings to u and keep u good health Thanks 🙏👍

[@rituantia5891]

Love her ❤ legend , humble and an absolute gem of a person… loads of respect 🙏🙏

[@ravariabharat]

Usha ji and bappi da ❤ 🔥 combination of music ❤ legendary

[@fatmakazim4341]

mashallah great lady how well she is handling her grief mashallah

[@nareshsood5091]

Nothing compares to saree. It is divine. You can show as much or cover as much.

[@VijaySingh-zz9tu]

Be strong Mrs Uthap… you are thee best

[@harsukhrathod547]

Love frm fiji 🇫🇯 once she sung in fijian language ❤song she's a brilliant.

[@marysamson7537]

Usha madam you are such a Wonderful person

[@sunithamadhulal4805]

Lots of respect to you Usha ma'am ❤

[@Therealtarot1123]

Usha Uthup classy all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The mold was broken after her! ❤💕

[@vinodhvinu1]

Our Mylapore Mami❤

[@tanujaprakash4765]

When u see Usha Uthupjo one word comes to ur mind is classy i just luv her ❤❤

[@sindhugopal9655]

She is unique...❤❤❤

[@dhruvbhargava1445]

It’s revealing. She is an icon

[@srianju4104]

Yaaaar I have always been in love wid Usha Mam but I fell in love wid this mam.. woow wat a voice n wat a personality it feels he must be .. ❤

[@maryann3070]

She is simply great 👍 and amazing !! Very enthusiastic and sets all types of music 🎶 worth listening with feet tapping to the music which flows so beautifully 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️admire you loads Madam ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏😊

[@clementsamuel8362]

Great singer Usha ji ❤ a great human being ❤️ Never-say-die attitude ❤

[@slamcan2k]

Amazing and exemplary woman. So accomplished and soooo humble.❤❤❤❤❤

[@ashaisaac3719]

Great ma'am. God bless you ma'am 🙏

[@GP-kg6xc]

She is such a real jem of a talented super star❤

[@lettypinto8838]

RIP dear. My heart felt condolences to you

[@rukminirchethan4749]

Love her voice, her sarees, and her bindis.