Usha Uthup's mantra of success: Change with time

The golden voice behind superhit songs, including 'Ek do cha cha cha', 'Shaan se', 'Koi yaha aaha nache nache' and the recent 'Darling aankhon se', Usha Uthup loves stitching. Having sung in 17 Indian and 8 foreign languages and celebrated for her pop and jazz styles, she considers R D Burman the most fantastic composer. In a freewheeling chat with Vithika Salomi, Usha feels that as long as people are pumping money in film music, alternate music forms won't pick up much.Excerpts:
What keeps you going even after a 43-year-long career?
My fans have made it absolutely wonderful for me, because if it wasn't for my audience I wouldn't have been here. And, I'm also happy that I've been able to move with time; that's the biggest secret of my long career. You mustn't fight with time, but changing with time works wonders, I feel.
Did you always want to become a singer? Who inspired you?
It was quite by accident. I had never planned to join this field. But I'm so grateful to God that the chance happened to my life. My inspiration, apart from my two sisters Indira and Uma, would be Harry Belafonte. I have never copied anyone.
You started at a very young age without any formal training. Has it ever been a hindrance in your career?
It's a sad thing that I didn't learn music. But to learn music now, I would have to unlearn everything. I am happy and comfortable where I am. But, had I learned music, at least staff notations, it would definitely have helped me.
How many hours do you practice every day?
I don't do any 'riyaaz' because I'm singing all the time. I love music and it is everywhere. Music is not my business, but communication is. I'm always doing a 'riyaaz' as to how better to communicate with all.
Which is your favourite song?
My favourites are the favourites of the people. Every song which the people love is close to my heart. 'Kali teri choti hai paranda tera lal ni' is one of my most popular songs and now, of course, it's 'Darling' (as she hums a couple of lines from the track).
One song that you can't stop humming these days?
It's funny you ask that (ponders). One would be 'Senorita'. And there is a wonderful Ganesh Vandana 'Dhi Mahi' by Shankar Mahadevan I'm humming right now.
A deluge of new singers have come to the industry, courtesy reality shows. Any comment?
I think it's fantastic considering we come from a land of billions of people. For so many years, there were only five singers. So, I'm very happy these reality shows have come where we can see the true talent of India.
You're visiting Bihar after almost 5 years. How does it feel?
It's so amazing and marvellous to come back to Bihar. I've also performed at Motihari, Sitamarhi, Katihar, Bettiah, Munger and other places. I hope I'll keep coming to the state.
Kanjeevaram sari, designer bindi and flowers in the hairdo have become your trademark?
It is not a part of any branding or marketing strategy. But people do actually enquire with much possessiveness if I don't wear a bindi someday.
How have things changed over the years since you started in 1969?
A lot of things have changed over the years but the warmth of singing remains the same. Our generation is the luckiest to have seen 78 RPMs (revolutions per minute) to the latest MP3 players.
Tell us about you upcoming projects.
An album 'Kashmir to Kanyakumari' with songs in 17 languages is in the pipeline.