When you hear the deep, velvety voice that grooves through retro hits like Hari Om Hari or the haunting melody of Darling, there’s one name that instantly comes to mind — Usha Uthup. With her towering presence, kanjeevaram sarees, bindis, and a smile that fills the room, Usha Uthup is more than just a singer. She is an icon. A cultural force. And above all, a Kolkata legend.
From Bombay to the City of Joy
Born in 1947 in Mumbai (then Bombay), Usha Uthup (née Iyer) didn’t fit the mold of the typical Indian playback singer. Her deep contralto voice — a rarity in the high-pitched world of film music — was first seen as unconventional. However, instead of fading into the background, she forged her own musical path.
Eventually, that path led her to Kolkata, where she began performing at the legendary Trincas on Park Street. It was here that the city first fell in love with her — and she, in turn, found her forever home. In fact, Kolkata didn’t just give her a stage; it gave her a soul connection.
A Sound Unlike Any Other
Usha Uthup didn’t just sing songs — she built bridges between cultures. At a time when global sounds were still considered niche in India, she brought Western pop, jazz, and disco to Indian ears, seamlessly blending them with Indian melodies.
Her vocal range wasn’t just impressive; it was groundbreaking. In fact, she has sung in over 16 languages, including English, Hindi, Bengali, Swahili, Tamil, Nepali, and even Russian. By doing so, Uthup created a multilingual, multicultural tapestry that resonated across continents. No wonder her music knew no borders — and neither did her impact.
Iconic Songs and Timeless Performances
Over the decades, Usha Uthup has delivered an unforgettable repertoire of songs across genres and generations. Some of her best-known hits include:
Hari Om Hari — The disco anthem from Pyaara Dushman (1980)
One Two Cha Cha Cha — A playful groove from Shalimar
Darling — Her chart-topping duet from 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), which won her a Filmfare Award
Outside the film world, her bold takes on I Will Survive, Skyfall, and The Prayer further showcased her versatility. Audiences across the globe — from London’s Royal Albert Hall to Nairobi’s vibrant music festivals — have witnessed her passion on stage. Time and again, she has proven herself as a cultural bridge and a powerhouse performer.
Spinning Gold: A Deep Dive into Usha Uthup’s Most Iconic Vinyl Records
While Usha Uthup is a household name across India, her vinyl releases from the 1970s and early 1980s represent a lesser-known but deeply influential chapter in her artistic journey. These LPs are not just music records — they are time capsules, capturing a rare moment when India was absorbing global sounds, and Usha was the fearless conduit.
Below is an in-depth look at four of her most iconic and collectible vinyl releases:
1. Usha In Nairobi (1971)
Label: Columbia | Catalog No: 33CXX.2921
Genre: Live / Jazz / Soul / International Pop
Language: English with Swahili/Indian improvisations
This live album documents Usha Uthup’s performances at the New Florida Nightclub in Nairobi, Kenya, where she was already a sensation among both Indian and African audiences. Featuring a mix of jazz standards, Motown classics, and soul, the album radiates the energy of a singer in full command of her global voice.
Notable Tracks:
Fever (Peggy Lee)
Respect (Aretha Franklin)
You Are My Sunshine (Folk classic reimagined)
Why It’s Important:
- One of the first live albums by an Indian female artist recorded abroad.
- Furthermore, it captures her commanding stage presence, storytelling between tracks, and audience interaction.
- As a result, it’s a crucial record in understanding her Pan-African popularity and the roots of her cross-cultural identity.
Collector’s Note: Often considered a holy grail among South Asian vinyl collectors, due to its scarcity and raw energy.
2. Usha Sings Beautiful Sunday and Other Hits (1975)
Label: The Gramophone Company of India | Catalog No: PEALP 2046
Genre: Disco / Funk / Pop Ballads
Language: English and Hindi
Arguably her most polished studio album of the 1970s, 24 Carats was a culmination of Usha’s evolution as a glamorous yet grounded musical personality. The title was symbolic: pure gold, no compromises. Featuring disco, ballads, and orchestral arrangements, the record showcases her vocal depth and production flair.
Notable Tracks:
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita)
Send in the Clowns
Disco Medley
Why It’s Important:
- Represents Usha Uthup’s peak disco-era influence in India.
- With its lavish arrangements and Western-style album structure — rare for Indian LPs at the time — it stands out.
- The artwork and gold theme reflected her bold persona and glam appeal.
Collector’s Note: Highly sought after for its musical diversity and cover art; a gem in Indian disco/funk collections.
3. 24 Carats (1979)
Label: The Gramophone Company of India | Catalog No: PEALP 2046
Genre: Disco / Funk / Pop Ballads
Language: English and Hindi
Arguably her most polished studio album of the 1970s, 24 Carats was a culmination of Usha’s evolution as a glamorous yet grounded musical personality. The title was symbolic: pure gold, no compromises. Featuring disco, ballads, and orchestral arrangements, the record showcases her vocal depth and production flair.
Notable Tracks:
Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (Evita)
Send in the Clowns
Disco Medley
Why It’s Important:
- Represents Usha Uthup’s peak disco-era influence in India.
- With its lavish arrangements and Western-style album structure — rare for Indian LPs at the time — it stands out.
- The artwork and gold theme reflected her bold persona and glam appeal.
Collector’s Note: Highly sought after for its musical diversity and cover art; a gem in Indian disco/funk collections.
4. Usha Sings Love Story and Other Hits (1974)
Label: Columbia | Catalog No: 33CXX 3075
Genre: Soundtrack Covers / Romantic Standards
Language: English
This LP highlights her dramatic, cinematic side. Covering themes from iconic Hollywood films like Love Story, The Godfather, and Summer of ’42, Usha offers emotional interpretations rooted in her unique Indo-Western vocal timbre.
Notable Tracks:
Where Do I Begin? (Love Story)
Speak Softly Love (Godfather Theme)
Theme from Summer of ’42
Why It’s Important:
- Showcases her ability to translate cinematic sentiment into live performance.
- Moreover, it bridged the gap between international cinema and Indian musical taste.
- Thus, it allowed Indian audiences to emotionally access foreign films through her voice.
Collector’s Note: Often overlooked in general markets but loved by collectors of Indian Western-cinema crossover music. Its somber tone makes it musically distinct in her catalog.
Final Word
These vinyls are more than just nostalgic relics — they are testaments to a fearless, boundary-breaking artist who saw no borders between East and West, between genres or languages. Whether you’re a collector, a DJ, or simply a music lover, owning one of these Usha Uthup records is like owning a piece of India’s pop-cultural revolution.
A Daughter of Kolkata
Though born in Mumbai, Usha Uthup proudly wears her Kolkata identity on her sleeve. The city adopted her — and she adopted it right back. Whether she’s performing at Durga Puja pandals or fundraising for local charities, her connection with Kolkata runs deep.
In particular, her relationship with Park Street is legendary — especially her early performances at Trincas, where night after night, audiences would gather to hear her magnetic voice. Even today, she remains one of the city’s most beloved cultural figures.
A Legacy Larger Than Life
Usha Uthup shattered stereotypes. A nightclub singer in an era when that label was often stigmatized, she owned it with pride. Rather than follow convention, she sang in English when most of India leaned toward classical and folk genres. And yet, her signature kanjeevaram sarees, large bindis, and bold jewelry proved that tradition and modernity could exist — even thrive — side by side.
Instead of changing to suit the music industry, she transformed the industry to suit her.
Even today, at over 75, she continues to perform with the same sparkle and energy. Her voice, like her spirit, remains ageless.
“Music is the only thing that connects people without asking questions.” — Usha Uthup
The Calcutta Records Tribute
At Calcutta Records, we celebrate artists who have shaped the sound and soul of Kolkata — and few have done it like Usha Uthup. She represents the bold, inclusive, genre-defying energy of this city. Her music isn’t just heard — it’s deeply felt.
So, whether you’re rediscovering her classics or hearing her voice for the first time, one thing is clear: Usha Uthup is not just a singer — she’s a legend.
