Celebrated singer and cultural icon Ms. Usha Uthup has been awarded the prestigious Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in the field of Art, for her decades-long contribution to Indian music, performance, and cultural harmony.
Known for her deep, powerful voice and vibrant personality, Usha Uthup has enthralled audiences across India and abroad for over five decades. Starting her musical journey in the 1960s, she redefined Indian pop and playback singing by blending genres such as Indian classical, jazz, western pop, and folk—all delivered in her signature saree and bindi.
From chart-toppers like Hari Om Hari, Ramba Ho, and Darling, to soul-stirring renditions of national integration songs and global classics, her repertoire is both vast and timeless.
Fluent in over a dozen Indian languages and known for performing in more than 20 international languages, Uthup has used music as a medium for unity, joy, and cross-cultural connection. She’s not only a singer but a cultural bridge, promoting Indian values and harmony through her work on stage and screen.
Beyond music, she has been an icon of individuality, empowerment, and social inclusion, inspiring generations of artists, especially women, to embrace their uniqueness.
The Padma Bhushan is a fitting tribute to Usha Uthup’s vibrant legacy, one that continues to resonate with audiences young and old.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised her contribution, saying:
“Usha Uthup’s voice is the soul of celebration, unity, and India’s diverse musical landscape. Her honour is a tribute to India’s cultural richness.”
