Usha Uthup’s husband, Jani Chacko Uthup, passed away at the age of 78 in Kolkata on Monday due to a cardiac arrest. He suffered the heart attack while watching TV at home and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead.
Jani Chacko Uthup, who worked in the tea plantation sector, met Usha Uthup at Trincas in the early ’70s. The couple has two children, Sunny and Anjali. Jani Chacko Uthup’s last rites will be performed in Kolkata on Tuesday.
Anjali Uthup paid tribute to her father on social media, describing him as a stylish and handsome gentleman who was deeply loved by his family. She highlighted his legacy as a true gentleman and a dedicated tea taster.
Usha Uthup, recently honored with the Padma Bhushan, expressed her gratitude for the support from her family and the recognition from the government. The singer, known for her distinctive voice and popular songs like “Hari Om Hari” and “One Two Cha Cha Cha,” was initially discovered by Dev Anand, who introduced her to Bollywood in his 1971 film Hare Rama Hare Krishna.
The twist in Usha Uthup’s life story is indeed intriguing. According to Vikas Kumar Jha’s 2022 book The Queen of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha Uthup, Usha was already married to her first husband, Ramu, when she moved to Kolkata. She was contractually bound to perform at Trincas, a popular nightspot in the city. It was during one of these performances, while she was singing Herp Albert’s “A Taste of Honey,” that she first noticed Jani Chacko Uthup at a nearby table.
This unexpected encounter led to a significant turn in her life. Eventually, Usha and Jani developed a close relationship, which culminated in their marriage. Jani worked in the tea plantation sector and became a crucial part of Usha’s life and career, providing support and companionship. Their love story is a testament to the unexpected paths that life can take, leading to new beginnings even in the midst of existing commitments.
