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Usha Uthup, the iconic Indian pop singer and Padma Bhushan awardee, recently lost her second husband, Jani Chacko Uthup, who passed away in Kolkata on July 8, 2024. However, the story of how Usha and Jani found love is nothing short of extraordinary.
In the early 1970s, Usha was already a married woman, having tied the knot with Ramu. She was contractually bound to perform at the renowned Trincas nightclub in Kolkata, where her husband Ramu accompanied her.It was during one of these performances that Usha first laid eyes on Jani Chacko, who was seated at a nearby table.
As Usha performed the classic A Taste of Honey, she noticed Ramu and Jani engaged in conversation. Relieved that her husband had found some company in the city, Usha felt a sense of comfort. The next day, Ramu informed Usha that Jani had invited him for a meal, further solidifying the budding friendship between the two men.
However, during Usha’s performance that evening, she could only spot Jani in the audience, while Ramu was nowhere to be seen. After the show, Jani approached Usha and offered to drop her home, an offer she accepted, though the ride was spent in silence.
It was upon reaching home that the true drama unfolded. According to the book, as Usha knocked on the door, Ramu opened it, his face visibly pale at the sight of Jani behind Usha. Ramu then turned to Jani and said, “That’s enough, Mr. Uthup! You can go.” Usha was perplexed by her husband’s behavior.
Later, Ramu revealed to Usha that Jani had confessed his love for her during their earlier meeting at a Chinese restaurant. Ramu was understandably distraught, and Usha, caught in the midst of this emotional turmoil, admitted that she too had developed feelings for Jani.
The following weeks were filled with tension and distance between Usha and Ramu. Usha, who had been married to Ramu for five years, gradually realized that her marriage had become “full of gloom.” Faced with the choice between staying with Ramu or pursuing a relationship with Jani, Usha made the difficult decision to part ways with her first husband and marry Jani Chacko.
In the early 1970s, Usha was already a married woman, having tied the knot with Ramu. She was contractually bound to perform at the renowned Trincas nightclub in Kolkata, where her husband Ramu accompanied her.It was during one of these performances that Usha first laid eyes on Jani Chacko, who was seated at a nearby table.
As Usha performed the classic A Taste of Honey, she noticed Ramu and Jani engaged in conversation. Relieved that her husband had found some company in the city, Usha felt a sense of comfort. The next day, Ramu informed Usha that Jani had invited him for a meal, further solidifying the budding friendship between the two men.
However, during Usha’s performance that evening, she could only spot Jani in the audience, while Ramu was nowhere to be seen. After the show, Jani approached Usha and offered to drop her home, an offer she accepted, though the ride was spent in silence.
It was upon reaching home that the true drama unfolded. According to the book, as Usha knocked on the door, Ramu opened it, his face visibly pale at the sight of Jani behind Usha. Ramu then turned to Jani and said, “That’s enough, Mr. Uthup! You can go.” Usha was perplexed by her husband’s behavior.
Later, Ramu revealed to Usha that Jani had confessed his love for her during their earlier meeting at a Chinese restaurant. Ramu was understandably distraught, and Usha, caught in the midst of this emotional turmoil, admitted that she too had developed feelings for Jani.
The following weeks were filled with tension and distance between Usha and Ramu. Usha, who had been married to Ramu for five years, gradually realized that her marriage had become “full of gloom.” Faced with the choice between staying with Ramu or pursuing a relationship with Jani, Usha made the difficult decision to part ways with her first husband and marry Jani Chacko.
Usha Uthup performs at a club where she she was felicitated last month
Usha and Jani’s unconventional love story stood the test of time, and they remained devoted partners until Jani’s passing in 2024. Usha, who has been awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan for her contributions to Indian music, has often spoken about the importance of following one’s heart, even in the face of societal norms.
Usha Uthup’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. She has lent her distinctive voice to numerous Bollywood hits, spanning genres from pop and jazz to folk and classical. Her ability to seamlessly sing in over 15 Indian languages, as well as several foreign languages, has earned her the title of the Queen of Indian Pop.
