Before ‘Kali Shakti’ in ‘Maa’, revisiting Usha Uthup’s most iconic Bollywood songs

Usha Uthup is one of the most iconic singers in Indian music. With a musical career that spans nearly six decades, Usha has given us some of the most melodic as well as energetic songs across languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The veteran singer’s latest track, ‘Kali Shakti’ from the upcoming film ‘Maa’, featuring Kajol in the titular role, is making waves on the net, after the song was released by the makers on Tuesday. As Usha is receiving praise for her latest track, which is said to be a tribute to the power of Goddess Kali, we track down some of her best numbers from Bollywood films that define her musical journey in Hindi films; take a look.
 

‘Darling’ from ‘7 Khoon Maaf’:
Picturized on Priyanka Chopra Jonas, ‘Darling’ from the 2011 film ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ is an iconic Bollywood number of recent times. Sung by Usha and Rekha Bhardwaj, the song’s lyrics are penned by ace writer-lyricist Gulzar, while the music is composed by the film’s director, Vishal Bhardwaj. The song’s known for its catchy melodies, but mostly for Usha’s deep and husky voice paired with Rekha’s melodious classical voice.
 

‘Hai Ye Maya’ from ‘Don 2’:
Directed by Farhan Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan-led ‘Don 2’ received acclaim not only for its storyline, direction, and of course performances, but also its music. One song that stood apart in the film is ‘Hai Ye Maya’, sung by Usha, composed by the trio of Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy, and written by Javed Akhtar. Just as the film ‘Hai Ye Maya’ is a stylish number that resonated with the film and its central character. It’s an underrated track that took its own sweet time to become a memorable song from the ‘Don’ franchise.
 

‘Vande Mataram’ from ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’:
Usha Uthup, along with Kavita Krishnamurthy, lent her powerful voice to the song ‘Vande Mataram’ in ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, composed by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. Picturised on Hrithik Roshan, the track stirs a deep sense of patriotism through its stirring rendition. What makes K3G’s ‘Vande Mataram’ particularly special is its seamless fusion of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic poem with elements of Muhammad Iqbal’s ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha’, creating a soulful musical tribute to India’s spirit.
 

‘Hari Om Hari’ from ‘Pyaara Dushman’:
One of the prominent pairs of singer-composers is that of Usha and late composer-singer Bappi Lahiri. The duo together delivered some of the most peppy numbers in the ‘80s. Among the list of their popular songs is ‘Hari Om Hari’ from the 1980 film ‘Pyaar Dushman’. A cult classic in the genre of Indian disco, the song is picturized on Kalpana Iyer. The bold and electrifying disco vibe, catchy beats, and the retro vibe are what make ‘Hari Om Hari’ a much-loved song even today.
 

‘Doston Se Pyaar Kiya’ from ‘Shaan’:
The timeless gem, ‘Doston Se Pyaar Kiya’ from ‘Shaan’, starring Amitabh Bachchan, Shatrughan Sinha, and Shashi Kapoor, is a track that was brought to life by the iconic combination of composer RD Burman and Usha’s husky voice. With a vibrant melody and beats, and Usha’s powerful voice, the song became a number that was ahead of its time. Even today, the song is fondly remembered as a shining example of ‘80s musical brilliance that the Hindi film industry proudly boasts of.