Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Usha Uthup Reflects on Career, Breaks Stereotypes at Dehradun Lit Fest
At the Dehradun Literature Festival, famous singer Usha Uthup talked about her long career.
She said people used to think that only 'good' girls could sing like Lata Mangeshkar, and 'bad' girls sang like her.
Uthup sang some of her famous songs and told a funny story about being confused with another singer.
She has won big awards for her music in many languages.
Usha Uthup recalled her six-decade career at the 7th Dehradun Literature Festival
She addressed the preconceived notion that 'good girls' had Lata Mangeshkar's voice, while 'bad girls' had hers
Uthup sang iconic songs like 'Skyfall in a Sari' and 'Hello' at the event
She shared an anecdote about being mistaken for Runa Laila
Uthup is a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, known for her multilingual and international performances
- Who
- Usha Uthup
- What
- Reflected on her career and performed at the Dehradun Literature Festival
- When
- 16 November 2022
- Where
- Doon International School, Dehradun
- Why
- To participate in the 7th Dehradun Literature Festival
- Age
- 78
- Awards
- Padma Bhushan (2024), Padma Shri (2011)
- Career Span
- Nearly six decades
- Festival Theme
- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The world is one family)
- Other Prominent Figures
- Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Ruskin Bond