Indian singer Usha Uthup's husband passes away in Kolkata due to cardiac arrest

Popular Indian singer Usha Uthup's husband Jani Chacko Uthup breathed his last on Monday (Jul 8) in Kolkata, confirms the singer's family. He was 78. The last rites are scheduled for Tuesday (Jul 9).

After complaining of discomfort while watching television at their home, he was taken to a nearby hospital. Upon reaching, he was declared dead and the cause was a massive cardiac arrest.

He is survived by his wife Usha Uthup and two kids.

Usha's life has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. She started her singing career at a nightclub in Chennai and none other than legendary actor Dev Anand spotted her while she was performing at a nightclub in Delhi. He instantly asked her to do playback singing for his 1971 directorial Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

After her debut, she worked with several music composers and gave us hits like "One Two Cha Cha Cha", "Ramba Ho Ho", "Hari Om Hari", "Koi Yahan Aha", "Vande Mataram", "Darling", and the Drishyam 2 title track.

In April, the singer received the prestigious Padma Bhushan award for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. "I am so, so happy. I am overflowing with joy. Tears are visible in my eyes, you all can see," Usha Uthup said after receiving the award. "For me, this is the biggest moment of my life... to be recognised and appreciated by your country and, of course, by your government. What more could one ask for, truly?"

"I feel so good because if you are a classical singer or a classical dancer, or if you are classical in your art, then it's natural to eventually receive an award. But for people like us... we are ordinary people, so to be chosen for the Padma award is such a huge thing. I believe in peace and brotherhood, and I believe that together, as a united force, we can do things for each other... make them smile through my music. That's all I'm interested in," she added.