JOIN USIt was an evening to remember as popular singer Usha Uthup enthralled the audience at Opus recently as part the restaurant’s ten year celebrations. Dressed in a brand new Kanjivaram sari, Usha had the crowd swaying to her peppy tunes. Beginning with a song titled ‘I believe in music, I believe in love’, Usha sang Babuji Dheere Chalna with parts of the classic in English. She then sang a couple of her original compositions, including a few Tamil ones and one her most popular tracks — Dum Maro Dum. She also sang covers of Kolaveri Di and Senorita from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others.
Also accompanying her on some of the songs was artiste Sumith Ramachandran. “I had so much to say but I’m zapped by all of you. I have really fond memories of Bangalore and singing here at Opus is a different experience in itself,” said Usha. Bangaloreans also got to see her version of Adele’s ‘Skyfall’, a video of which went viral recently. “I really hope all of you have seen it. This was surely one of the highlights of the year,” she said. Taking a dig at her performance of ‘Skyfall’, she joked, “Now you know why I weigh this much. It’s because I need to have the adequate lung power.” She added, “I hope I sing for the next 20 years.” As people sat around enjoying drinks and the music, Usha added, “I don’t need anything. I’m on a natural high.”
Carlton Braganza, who runs Opus, said, “Usha is a very special part of the Opus journey. I think it’s her fourth Christmas festival with us and she has an unmatched vibe and fan following. She has been in the showbiz for 44 years and is still as fresh and enthusiastic. Now that’s a lesson in longevity. We, at Opus, need to take a leaf out of her book if we need to reach anywhere close to that number.”
The energetic crowd, which egged on the singer by singing along and clapping its hands, was delighted by the musical treat. “It was just wonderful to hear those songs that we have heard on TV or the internet, live. She sounds so fresh and lively. I’d love to listen to her more often,” said Neha, a member of the audience. Rakesh Rao, another music lover, just loved Usha’s original compositions. “I always come here for the music, which is accompanied by some good food and drinks. But on a serious note, I enjoyed those songs. She is such a versatile singer and I was amazed at the ease with which she sings in so many languages. The evening was simply mind-blowing,” said Rakesh.