An icon of Indian music, singer Usha Uthup is all set to perform for the first time at this year’s NH7 Weekender, to be held on 14 and 15 December in Pune. Ahead of her performance, the legendary voice behind iconic songs, such as Koi Yahan Nache, Ramba Ho, and Hare Rama Hare Krishna, spoke to The Telegraph Online about her upcoming performance, her decades-long musical journey, and what makes her go out there and perform live even after so many years.

What excites you about NH7 Weekender 2024?

Usha Uthup: I'm excited to be a part of this year’s NH7 Weekender because I'll get to reconnect with my audience and share my passion for music. NH7 is a unique platform that brings together diverse artists and audiences, celebrating our shared love of music. It's a beautiful place for different minds and perspectives to come together and unite through the universal language of music. For me, there's no greater joy than connecting with people through music and NH7 Weekender is a festival that represents exactly what I've always believed in – this magnificent celebration where like-minded souls come together, borders dissolve, unity prevails, and minds connect in beautiful harmony.

How does it feel to be a first-time performer at the event?

Usha Uthup: This feels like destiny coming full circle. I am very excited about this. It would have been heart-breaking if they hadn't included me, and even more painful if I had missed being part of it. Performing at NH7 Weekender is a special opportunity, especially since some view it as exclusive to certain groups and most people do not expect me to do something so exciting. But I've always stood firm in my belief that music transcends all boundaries – whether it's colour, gender, religion, age, or sex. It brings me joy because these principles I've championed for decades are finally manifesting. It's fitting to open with "I Believe in Music, I Believe in Love."

Moreover, I’m finishing the cycle by being the line-up's senior performer with the most variety of genres. I am grateful to the organisers and looking forward to a wonderful show.

Your sarees are as popular as your songs. Have you decided on the saree that you’ll wear for the performance?

Usha Uthup: I'm very particular about my stage appearance – my bindi, bangles, and flowers remain constant. To me, fashion is about comfort and consistency rather than making a statement. I come from a traditional South Indian middle-class family where sarees were simply a way of life – my mother, grandmother, and sisters all wore them. It wasn't a conscious style statement as some people assume today. I believe you should wear what makes you feel comfortable. That's always been my approach.

Interestingly, about 75% of my saree collection are gifts received on special occasions. I have a particular fondness for Kanjivarams with long borders. Black and rani pink combinations as well as reds and maroons are among my favourites. And to see my look at the festival, you will have to come and attend it.

What is your secret to staying relevant even after so many decades?

Usha Uthup: God has been kind, and I've worked very hard and with a lot of passion. I always say, there's no shortcut or substitute for hard work. As a performer, it can be challenging to connect with each audience sometimes. Also, I firmly believe that it's the audience that makes who you are as a performer. Sometimes I can sense the magic happening within the first two songs, at other times it might take more than three songs to know whether the audience is enjoying themselves in the moment or not.

From singing at a nightclub to becoming a pop icon – can you reflect on your music career?

Usha Uthup: In the 1960s and 1970s, nightclubs were fantastic, and going to a nightclub was a big deal. People used to dress up in chiffon sarees and blazer jackets. I began my career by singing at a lot of them. Jazz was the only music played at Nine Gems, the first nightclub I worked at. Since neither TV nor YouTube channels were present, I learned everything from listening to the radio – it has been my greatest source of inspiration.

Once, I was performing at Oberoi Continental Delhi, and legends like Dev Anand, R.D. Burman, and Shashi Kapoor were in the audience. After my performance, Dev Anand sir came up to me to laud my performance, and asked me to sing in his project “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”. That’s how it all started!

I believe in originality. In my career, I have never copied a single soul. I was never frustrated if I didn’t get many playback singing projects, since I was never in the rat race. I am a very happy person, very comfortable in my skin, and always grateful.

After so many years as a singer, what makes you still go out there and perform?

Usha Uthup: Even after all these years, one thing remains constant… what word can I use to describe it – greed, longing, thirst? To want more of the audience. To keep wanting more and more of the audience, to be able to play the game a little more, a little better, a little firmer, with a little bit more passion.

The truth is, I am completely a ‘live’ person. I need to be surrounded by others when performing because I am a people person. I adore my audience. Without them, I am nothing. There is no better high than performing live!

What is your take on today’s Indian pop music?

Usha Uthup: The next generation is just wonderful, and some of the new voices are unbelievable. I wonder where they hid all these years, but I am glad they are out now. The way they perform with so much passion is amazing. There is great music being made, great lyrics being written, and great songs being sung. I think one should be original in what they are doing. Then, the sky's the limit.