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With another incredible song for Empuraan, the celebrated singer who wowed us with Empuraane in Lucifer (2019) is all set to take NH7 Weekender by storm.
Usha Uthup is back with another electrifying track and a high-energy performance at NH7 Weekender! (Image: Instagram)
The legend that is Usha Uthup does not need an introduction. Her unique voice and unmatched stage presence have enthralled audiences of all ages for more than 50 years. She returns with another powerful song for Empuraan after delivering the chart-topping Empuraane for Lucifer in 2019. Not only that, but she is prepared to bring her trademark charm and excitement to the festival when she takes the stage at NH7 Weekender on March 29. She discusses her musical life, the excitement of performing live, and the reasons she still inspires both new and old fans in this exclusive conversation with News18.
Excerpts from the interview:
You’re all set to perform at NH7 Weekender. What are you looking forward to the most?
Usha Uthup: Oh, I’m just desperate to get onto that stage and sing! It’s incredibly exciting for me to be part of NH7 Weekender, and I want to sincerely thank them for considering me and giving me this opportunity. I truly believe it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For all the young artists performing, this is a marvellous platform—one that brings the world together through music, fostering a sense of brotherhood. I think that’s what makes it so special.
How did you find the courage to pursue a career in music, especially at a time when the industry was not as open to unconventional voices?
Usha Uthup: Honestly, I don’t think that really applies to me because, let’s face it, I was never in the rat race for film music. I was always a nightclub singer, and I’m proud to be one—I still am! My career was built on live concerts, and singing in a band at nightclubs, restaurants, and pubs was quite normal.
However, my voice was definitely considered unconventional for the film industry. But I’ve always believed that it’s not about how good or bad a singer you are—it’s about how original you are as a performer. And I’ve always been 100% original.
I never copied anyone, and I’m glad I didn’t. It took time—after all, I’ve been around for 56 years! There was no Instagram, WhatsApp, or Facebook back then. Word of mouth was how people discovered me—a Madrasi girl in a saree singing Fever or Jambalaya.
Yes, my voice was unconventional for films, where heroines like Meena Kumari, Madhubala, and Nargis were expected to have only Lataji’s voice. And all the ‘bad girls’ got my voice—which is fine by me! I’m the original lightning girl.
Looking back on your journey, what has been the turning point in your career and something that you are most proud of?
Usha Uthup: First of all, I’m so proud that I’ll be singing at NH7 Weekender—truly, very, very proud and grateful.
For 56 years, I’ve been saying that music has no barriers—no caste, colour, age, gender, or boundaries. It cuts across everything. And finally, here I am, getting this opportunity.
Look at the rest of the world—when we talk about Eric Clapton, Santana, and Bryan Adams—they’re all my contemporaries, right? The Beatles too, some even younger. Take Barbra Streisand, for example.
The young generation often gets surprised. My granddaughter once asked me, “How do you know Fever?” I told her, “Madonna may have recorded it, but I recorded it back in 1969!”
You have connected with fans across generations, the Gen-Z in particular, courtesy of your recent performance of Flowers by Miley Cyrus. How did you feel when that video went viral?
Usha Uthup: I stay connected because I’ve always made time, my friend. I’ve never tried to be somebody who I’m not. I believe that every grey hair has a lot of weight of experience, happiness and sadness, and everything put together. But I always say you never win or For me, I never win or lose. I learn.
And I’m learning all the time how to reconstruct, how to recreate an old song and present it in a way that all of you would love it.
I believe that every grey hair carries a weight of experience—of happiness, sadness, and everything in between. But for me, it’s never about winning or losing—it’s about learning.
I’m always learning. Learning how to reconstruct and recreate an old song and present it in a way that resonates with today’s audience. That’s what keeps me going.
Your signature kanjeevarams and bindis are as iconic as your voice! What inspires your personal style?
Usha Uthup: Oh no, it was never about making a statement or a marketing strategy! I just wore a saree because I had nothing else to wear.
I come from a very middle-class upbringing in Bombay. My father was in the police, and we were a family of six children. My mother and my elder sisters wore sarees, so I simply wore whatever was at home.
I hope it inspires people, but it was never planned—it just happened naturally.
You recently recorded a song for Empuraan with Deepak Dev. Can you walk us a bit through what the experience was like?
Usha Uthup: Oh, thank you for asking about that! I’m absolutely thrilled about it.
I can’t wait for the music to be released! Working with Deepak Dev has been brilliant—he, along with people like AR Rahman and R.D. Burman, has truly explored the full range of my voice.
The song I’ve recorded for Empuraan is powerful—I wish I could sing a bit of it now, but I’m in the car! But what I can give away is that it’s similar to what I’ve sung for Lucifer.