Turning 78 this November, the playback singer started her career by singing in restaurants and clubs.

In India, if a list of the most unique singers is ever produced, the name of Usha Uthup will surely be in the top five. After all, how many in India can truly represent or bring the jazz genre to life? Today, there must be a few artists, but back in the 1960s, it was Usha Uthup who, as a woman, had a masculine sort of voice that helped her break into the genre.

However, opportunities did not arrive from music schools, shows, or music directors and producers. A few nightclubs and restaurants gave Uthup a chance, realising her potential not only in singing but also in engaging the crowd.

Among these handful of clubs, one was Trincas, a 98-year-old establishment that now serves as a fine dining restaurant with live music in Kolkata’s iconic Park Street.

The Calcutta Connection

Usha Uthup began her singing career in Chennai in 1969, but it was not until October 1, 1969, that she was given the chance to perform at Trincas for the first time. In the 60s, Benny Rozario and his band were the highest-paid bands in India, and they were a regular at Trincas. In summary, Uthup eagerly seized the opportunity to perform at Trincas.

(Credit- HT)

On Trincas’ official website, a page reads, “In 1969, Usha Uthup made her debut at Trincas. Clad in Kanjeevaram sarees and her signature bindi, she was the antithesis of the expected norm. With her deep, soulful voice, incredible stage presence, and ability to capture a room, she soon bedazzled her listeners and became one of the most sought-after singers in all of India!”

(Credit- Lifestyle Asia)

One must not forget that it was Trincas where Usha Ji her late husband, Jani Chako, with whom she led a long and happy married life.

Official debut?

There is little confusion about Usha Ji’s singing debut. While Trincas claims they gave Usha ji her singing debut, the official Wikipedia page states that the 78-year-old playback singer started her career at a club named Nine Gems on Mount Road, Chennai. On the other hand, a report published in the New Indian Express stated that Uthup started her career at a hotel named Savera. Whoever gave Usha Ji her debut, the collaboration between Uthup and Trincas is known to most of her fans.

(Credit- Free Press Journal)

History of Trincas

Trincas is one of the most nostalgic eateries in Kolkata, which started in British Calcutta in 1927 as a tea room. Initially, it was run in a partnership between Flury & Trinca, but the partnership dissolved in 1939. From 1939 to 1959, Trincas was run by Cinzio Trinca, during which time it underwent renovation to become a restaurant.

Finally, in 1959, Om Prakash Puri and Ellis Joshua acquired the restaurant. Today, while the restaurant serves a long list of menus, they are most famous for their ch*cken ala kiev and ch*cken stroganoff.

In 2019, Usha Uthup visited the restaurant to celebrate Trincas’ 60th anniversary under the ownership of the Puri family.

As Usha ji turns 78, we wish her good health and hope to see her at Trincas more often.