Usha Uthup, born Usha Iyer on November 8, 1947, in Mumbai, is a celebrated Indian singer renowned for her deep contralto voice and versatility across genres such as pop, filmi, jazz, and Indian classical music. Her musical journey began in the 1960s, performing in Chennai nightclubs, where her unique blend of Western tunes and traditional Indian attire captivated audiences. Over the decades, Uthup has recorded numerous albums and lent her voice to various film songs, earning accolades including the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Padma Bhushan in 2024 for her contributions to the arts. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usha_Uthup?utm_source=openai))