Usha Uthup`s Husband Jani Chacko Dies, Singer Recalls How They Fell In Love

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JULY 09,2024

One of the finest Indian singers, Usha Uthup, made her mark in Bollywood with her unique and strong voice. The Padma Bhushan awardee lost her second husband, Jani Chacko Uthup, after he passed away of a cardiac arrest. He breathed his last at their Kolkata residence.

For the uninitiated, Uthup has sung some incredible songs that went on to rule the charts. Among these songs are Auva Auva, One Two Cha Cha Cha, Doston Se Pyaar Kiya, Darling, and Vande Mataram (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), among others.

It is fascinating how Usha Uthup met her second husband, Jani Chacko, back in 1969 in Kolkata. She used to perform at a club, and the two had their eyes locked in the same place.

Usha Uthup and Jani Chako's love story

This dates back to 1969, when the singer was already married to her first husband, Ramu. The whole story about her meeting with Jani and walking away from her first marriage is mentioned in Vikas Kumar Jha's 2022 book, The Queen of Indian Pop: The Authorized Biography of Usha Uthup.

Her then-husband accompanied her to Kolkata's club, Trincas, a happening place where Uthup used to perform. On one such night, she saw Jani sitting at one of the tables, crooning Herp Albert's A Taste of Honey.


She then saw Ramu and Jani talking to each other. Much to her relief, she was glad her husband had some company in the alien city. The two men bonded well, so much so that Ramu invited the latter for a meal the next day.

Later that evening, Usha Uthup was performing at Trincas again when Jani Chacko offered to give her a ride back home. She agreed, but neither of them spoke a word during the short ride.

As per the book, this is what happened when Usha and Jani reached her home: 'Usha knocked on the door, and Ramu opened it. His face turned pale looking at Jani standing behind Usha. Even as Usha stepped inside, Ramu said to Jani Uthup, who was standing at the door, 'That's enough, Mr. Uthup! You can go.' Usha couldn't figure out Ramu's uneasiness. What had happened to her husband, who was normally very calm? Ramu slammed the door shut.'

Jani Chacko's shocking confession

The Darling singer was rather shocked by Ramu's behavior. He was never this violent or angry, and he always maintained his composure. When she asked, he revealed something very surprising.

The book further elaborated, 'He screamed and broke down. 'Do you know what Jani Uthup told me this afternoon at the Chinese restaurant? He said, 'I don't know about Usha and her feelings, but I am in love with your wife.'' As he said this, Ramu was shaking with anger. 'Okay, he said that to you. So, what happened?' Usha said it in a soft voice. 'He didn't say anything to me.'"


"'But what Jani said, is it true? Do you have the same feelings for him?' Ramu's voice was distraught. 'Yes! Usha replied, pushing aside all fear,' the book continued.

Ramu didn't take Usha's confession quite well. Instead, he lost his calm and threw a plate at her violently. That's when the two decided to part ways and end their marriage.

Usha Uthup then went on to marry the late Jani Chacko. They share two children, daughter Anjali Uthup and son Sunny Uthup. The couple was married for a long time before he passed away.

Radio City extends its heartfelt condolences to the Uthup family. May he rest in peace.

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