Usha Uthup: Still Owning the Stage, One Saree and Song at a Time

“If you saw me in a saree, that’s because that’s all I’ve ever worn,” Usha Uthup says with a warm chuckle. “I come from a very middle-class family, and the only dress I knew after my school uniform was the saree.” This effortless authenticity is what has made Uthup a cultural icon—her signature Kanjeevaram sarees, bold bindis, and powerhouse voice have remained unchanged through the decades.

In a world where trends come and go, she has held her own, unshaken by industry norms. And her performance at NH7 Weekender was a testament to that—proving that her music, much like her, knows no age. We talk with the legend about her remarkable journey, her iconic style, the power of multilingual music, and the electric energy of her recent NH7 Weekender performance.

The Journey of a Nightclub Singer Who Became a Cultural Icon

Reflecting on her early years, Uthup humbly states, “I was never in the race for singing film music. I was a nightclub singer. I am proud to be one, and I still am.” Her journey began in the late 1960s when she was performing at nightclubs, belting out songs in a manner unlike any of her contemporaries. Despite an unconventional voice in the Indian film industry, she remained original, never imitating anyone. “I believe it’s not about how good or bad a singer you are but how original you are as a performer.”

Her ability to sing in multiple languages is another testament to her versatility. Having performed in over 17 languages, she recalls, “Russian was a language that really came out of the blue for me. When we toured the Soviet Union, I was asked to sing in Russian. Luckily, I had learned a few songs at the Gorky Sadan in Kolkata. When I performed in Kyiv, the Ukrainians loved it too. It just showed me that music shrinks the world.”

The Saree That Became a Symbol

Beyond her voice, Usha Uthup’s presence is unforgettable. Yet, for her, the saree was never a conscious fashion statement. “People now think it was a strategic move, but it wasn’t. It’s just who I am.”

Despite this, her sarees have become an emblem of her persona. Over the years, she has designed some of them herself, working with iconic weavers and brands. “It’s amazing how something so natural to me has become my signature,” she adds with a smile.

Bridging Divides Through Multilingual Music

In a world often divided by language and ideology, Usha Uthup remains a firm believer in music’s power to unite. “From the word go, in 1969, I always said that music is the universal language and love is the key to brotherhood, peace, and living in harmony.”

Her multilingual prowess allowed her to bridge gaps long before globalisation became a buzzword. “People used to say I could only sing in English, but when I started performing in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and so many other languages, they took notice. I would sing these songs in nightclubs, and it was marvellous to see people from different backgrounds connect through music.”

This connection across cultures continues today. Recently, her rendition of Miley Cyrus’ Flowers went viral. “It was my daughter who suggested I sing it. Just like my granddaughter had earlier told me to sing Skyfall, I never imagined it would resonate with so many people, but it did.”

Still Rocking the Stage at 77

Even after more than five decades in the industry, Usha Uthup’s enthusiasm remains infectious. She recently took the stage at NH7 Weekender in Indore, one of India’s most prominent music festivals, where her set was met with roaring applause. “Music cuts across all barriers, including age. I have fans who held hands listening to me in the 1960s, got married, and now their grandchildren are also listening to me.”

For Uthup, NH7 Weekender represented the true spirit of music. “It’s a fantastic platform where different generations come together. Some may think it's only for Gen Z, but music has no age. I was thrilled to be a part of something that unites people.”

At 77, Uthup continues to perform with the same energy she had when she started. Whether it’s a nightclub in Kolkata, a stadium full of rock enthusiasts, or a digital audience on Instagram, she remains a force of nature. “I never fought against time. I made time for my friend. I keep learning how to reconnect, reboot, and reimagine old songs in new ways.”

With her unwavering spirit, deep humility, and boundless love for music, Usha Uthup isn’t just an artist—she’s a living legend. And if NH7 Weekender was any proof, the music will never stop.