16th April 2023, Mumbai: Usha Uthup shared details about her initial professional performance and income. She reminisced about signing a contract with a hotel and receiving a monthly salary of ₹750. Usha also mentioned that, as a nightclub singer, she was the most well-compensated vocalist at the time.
During an interview , Usha Uthup revealed that her foray into professional singing was accidental. With the help of her aunt, she secured a few gigs and discovered her love for singing. This led to her signing a professional contract with a hotel, which she described as a fantastic experience, especially because she received a monthly payment of ₹750, not just for one show. Usha proudly proclaimed that she was the highest-paid nightclub singer of her time, and the feeling of earning that much money was exhilarating
During a conversation about her experiences singing for Bollywood, Usha Uthup recounted how she was discovered by legendary actor and filmmaker Dev Anand. One evening, he attended her performance at a nightclub in Delhi and was so impressed with her voice that he offered her a role in his upcoming project, Hare Rama Hare Krishna. This was a pivotal moment for Usha, as Dev Anand’s admiration for her singing talent gave her a chance to work with other renowned music composers such as RD Burman and Bappi Lahiri. The meeting with Dev Anand was particularly memorable for Usha, as it was a significant turning point in her career.
Usha Uthup is a versatile singer who has contributed to the soundtracks of numerous films. Her impressive repertoire includes iconic songs from films like Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971), Chattakkari (1974), Oorukku Uzhaippavan (1976), Pyaara Dushman and Shaan (1980), Armaan (1981), and Disco Dancer (1982). She has also lent her voice to memorable tracks from movies such as Dushman Devta (1991), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Don 2 and 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), and Kahaani (2012).
Usha Uthup’s career has spanned across multiple platforms, including films and television shows. She has acted in notable movies like Bombay to Goa (1973), 7 Khoon Maaf (2011), and Rock On 2 (2016). In addition to her film career, Usha has also made appearances on various television shows, such as Indian Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champion, Bharat Ki Shaan: Singing Star, The Voice, and The Kapil Sharma Show.