In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, legendary singer Usha Uthup’s second husband, Jani Chacko Uthup, passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Kolkata on Monday. The untimely demise has left the Uthup family in deep sorrow and the music industry in a state of shock. The couple, who shared a son named Sunny and a daughter named Anjali, spent their last moments together watching television when Jani, 78, started to feel discomfort. Despite prompt medical attention and being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival.
The news reverberated across social media and news outlets, offering a moment of reflection on the personal life of Usha Uthup, an iconic figure in Indian music history. Born in a family of tea planters, Jani Chacko Uthup hailed from the esteemed Manarcaud Painumkal family of Kottayam. His bond with Usha began several decades ago at Trincas, a famous nightclub in Kolkata, where they first met in the early 1970s. This profound connection continued to flourish throughout their marriage, notwithstanding Usha’s previous union with the late Ramu.
Usha Uthup’s illustrious career stretches over five decades, a timeline in which she has given the Indian music industry numerous hits. Songs such as ‘Ramba Ho Ho’, ‘Hari Om Hari’, ‘Koi Yahan Aha’, ‘One Two Cha Cha Cha’ and ‘Darling’ have solidified her presence and made her a household name. Known for her robust, soulful voice, Usha carved out a niche and became a trendsetter in a predominantly classical music-oriented industry. Beyond singing, she also explored acting, appearing in several films, showcasing her multifaceted talents.
This year marked another milestone for Usha as she was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors. Expressing her elation, she shared her joyous sentiments with ANI. “I am so, so happy. I am overflowing with joy… tears are visible in my eyes, you all can see. For me, this is the biggest moment of my life… to be recognized and appreciated by your country and, of course, by your government.
. What more could one ask for, truly?” she said, encapsulating her immense pride and gratitude.
Discussing the significance of this prestigious recognition, she remarked, “I feel so good because if you are a classical singer or a classical dancer, or if you are classical in your art, then it’s natural to eventually receive an award. But for people like us… we are ordinary people, so to be chosen for the Padma award is such a huge thing… because I only believe in peace and brotherhood, and I only believe that together, as a united force, we can do things for each other… make them smile through my music. That’s all I’m interested in.”
In more recent developments, just last month, Usha Uthup released her own rendition of ‘Tilasmi Bahein’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus series, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.’ Bhansali’s intricate composition stands out as a vivid, energetic piece filled with rhythm, perfectly complemented by Usha’s rich voice. This new project has garnered attention not only for its musical grandeur but also for its exploration of historical depth.
‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ features a star-studded cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Sehgal, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. Set in the 1940s, amidst the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence, the series explores the intricate lives of courtesans and their patrons, reflecting the nuanced cultural dynamics of Heera Mandi.
Even as Usha Uthup navigates this personal tragedy, the love and respect she has garnered over the years from fans and colleagues provide her with a comforting presence. Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from various quarters, reflecting the immense impact Jani Chacko Uthup had on those who knew him as well as acknowledging the strength of Usha Uthup during such challenging times.
The tragic loss of Jani Chacko Uthup adds a somber chapter to Usha Uthup’s life story, a narrative filled with the highs of a celebrated career and the lows of personal losses. As the music industry mourns alongside her, Usha continues to shine brightly as a beacon of talent and resilience.
