Usha (born 29 May 1980) is an Indian singer who works predominantly in
Telugu
Telugu may refer to:
* Telugu language, a major Dravidian language of India
*Telugu people, an ethno-linguistic group of India
* Telugu script, used to write the Telugu language
** Telugu (Unicode block), a block of Telugu characters in Unicode
S ...
. She has sung in
Kannada
Kannada (; ಕನ್ನಡ, ), originally romanised Canarese, is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by the people of Karnataka in southwestern India, with minorities in all neighbouring states. It has around 47 million native s ...
and
Tamil
Tamil may refer to:
* Tamils, an ethnic group native to India and some other parts of Asia
**Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamil people native to Sri Lanka also called ilankai tamils
**Tamil Malaysians, Tamil people native to Malaysia
* Tamil language, nativ ...
also. In a career spanning about 10 years, she has established herself as one of the leading playback singers in the Telugu film industry and has worked with many major music directors.
Career
Music competitions
Usha began her singing career with "Paadutha Teeyaga", a music based program on
Eenadu Television hosted by singer
SP Balasubramanyam. She stood first in the competition and later followed up by winning another music contest titled "Navaragam" on
Gemini TV
Gemini TV is an Indian Telugu language general entertainment pay television channel. It was launched on 9 February 1995 by Gemini Group, owned by A. Manohar Prasad (grandson of L. V. Prasad), in association with Sun TV Network. In 1996-97, Sun ...
.
Usha participated in various music-related shows on TV between 1996 and 2000. Her performance in "Endaro Mahanubhavlu" on
Gemini TV
Gemini TV is an Indian Telugu language general entertainment pay television channel. It was launched on 9 February 1995 by Gemini Group, owned by A. Manohar Prasad (grandson of L. V. Prasad), in association with Sun TV Network. In 1996-97, Sun ...
won her appreciation and applause from the audience. She later participated in "Meri Awaz Suno" on
Star TV Star TV may refer to:
* E! (Canadian TV channel) (formerly Star!), a Canadian entertainment news channel
* Las Estrellas (Spanish for The Stars), the Mexican television network
* Estrella TV (Spanish for Star TV), the American Spanish-language net ...
and was one of the finalists in the All-India finals. She also participated in various Hindi programs on channels like ELTV and
Zee TV
Zee TV (stylised as ZEE TV) is a Hindi general entertainment pay television channel in India. It was launched on 2 October 1992, as the first privately owned TV channel in the country. It is owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. Zee TV also ...
.
Movie career
Usha got her maiden opportunity from Sri.
Vandemataram Srinivas
Kanneboina Srinavasa Rao Yadav, known professionally as Vandemataram Srinivas, is an Indian music director and playback singer who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He has won two Filmfare Awards and six Nandi Awards. He got the prefix "Vand ...
, renowned music director. Her first song was from the movie ''Illalu''. She got her major break in
Telugu film industry
Telugu cinema, also known as Tollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the Telugu language, widely spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu cinema is based in Film Nagar, Hy ...
in 2000. She sang various chart busters for Telugu movies like ''
Indra
Indra (; Sanskrit: इन्द्र) is the king of the devas (god-like deities) and Svarga (heaven) in Hindu mythology. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war. volumes/ref> I ...
'', ''
Chiruta'', ''
Athidhi
''Athidhi'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language action romance film starring Mahesh Babu and Amrita Rao, directed by Surender Reddy and produced by G. Ramesh Babu, brother of Mahesh Babu, under their banner Krishna Pictures Private Limited. It ...
'', ''
Pourudu
''Pourudu'' () is a 2008 Telugu language action drama film written and directed by Raj Aditya. The film stars Sumanth and Kajal Aggarwal, while Suman, Nassar, Brahmanandam, Ali, Subbaraju, and Kota Srinivasa Rao play supporting roles. The fil ...
'', ''
Varsham'', ''
Bhadra
''Bhadra''Feminine: sa, भद्रा, Bhadrā is a Sanskrit word meaning 'good', 'fortune' or 'auspicious'. It is also the name of many men, women and objects in Hindu mythology.
Male Figures King of Chedi
Bhadra was a king of Chedi Kingdom ...
'', ''
Chitram
''Chitram'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Teja. This film stars debutants Uday Kiran and Reema Sen in the lead roles. The film was sensational hit in 2000. The film is produced by Ramoji Rao.T ...
'', ''
Nuvvu Nenu
''Nuvvu Nenu'' is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Teja who co-wrote it with Dasaradh. The film stars Uday Kiran and Anita while Sunil, Banerjee, Tanikella Bharani, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, and Telangana Shakunta ...
'', ''Manasantha Nuvve'', ''Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu'', ''
Jayam'', ''
Santhosham'', ''
Nee Sneham
''Nee Sneham'' ( en, Your Friendship) is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Paruchuri Murali, and written and produced by M. S. Raju on Sumanth Art Productions banner. The film stars Uday Kiran, Aarti Agarwal, and Jat ...
'', ''Avunanna Kadanna'' and many more (for complete filmography, please see the section below).
Concerts
Usha has performed in close to 150 concerts worldwide. Apart from her own solo concerts, she has performed alongside legendary singers and musicians like Sri.
SP Balasubramanyam,
Shankar Mahadevan
Shankar Mahadevan (born 3 March 1967) is an Indian singer and composer who is part of the Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy trio that writes music for Indian films.
Personal life and early career
Shankar Mahadevan was born in Chembur, Mumbai into a Tami ...
,
Hariharan,
Mani Sharma
Mani may refer to:
Geography
* Maní, Casanare, a town and municipality in Casanare Department, Colombia
* Mani, Chad, a town and sub-prefecture in Chad
* Mani, Evros, a village in northeastern Greece
* Mani, Karnataka, a village in Dakshina ...
,
P. Suseela
Pulapaka Susheela (born 13 November 1935), popularly known as P. Susheela, is an Indian playback singer associated with the South Indian cinema primarily from Andhra Pradesh for over six decades. She is one of the greatest and best-known playba ...
and
Mano
Mano may refer to:
People
* Mano people, an ethnic group in Liberia
* Mano (name), a list of people with either the given name or surname
* Mano (Mozambican footballer) (born 1984), real name Celso Halilo de Abdul
* Mano (Portuguese footballer) ...
among many others. Her biggest achievement was performing with Sri. SP Balasubramanyam at the
Afro-Asian Games
The Afro-Asian Games were the series of inter-continental multi-sport competitions, held between athletes from Asia and Africa. These Games are one-of-a-kind, since no other sporting competition brings athletes from these two continents together ...
opening ceremony in 2003 in
Hyderabad
Hyderabad ( ; , ) is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the ''de jure'' capital of Andhra Pradesh. It occupies on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River (India), Musi River, in the northern part ...
.
TV Programmes
* Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Little Champs (Zee Telugu) - 2007
* Swaraneerajanam (Zee Telugu) - 2008
* Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Nuvva Nena (Zee Telugu) - 2010
* Super Singer 7 (MAA TV ) - 2012
* Super Singer 10 (MAA TV)- 2019
* Super singer 2020 by vastavam
Awards
Nandi Awards
* Best Female Playback Singer (TV Category) in 2006 for TV film song "Bommarillu Podarillu"
*
Best Female Playback Singer in 2002 for "Chinuku Tadiki" song from ''
Nee Sneham
''Nee Sneham'' ( en, Your Friendship) is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Paruchuri Murali, and written and produced by M. S. Raju on Sumanth Art Productions banner. The film stars Uday Kiran, Aarti Agarwal, and Jat ...
''
* Best Female Playback Singer in 2001 for "Kallu Teravani" song from ''
Padma
The Padma ( bn, পদ্মা ''Pôdma'') is a major river in Bangladesh. It is the main distributary of the Ganges, flowing generally southeast for to its confluence with the Meghna River near the Bay of Bengal. The city of Rajshahi is sit ...
''
Filmography
Usha has recorded with music directors, such as
Ilaiyaraaja
Ilaiyaraaja (born R. Gnanathesikan, 3 June 1943) is an Indian musician, composer, arranger, conductor, orchestrator, instrumentalist, lyricist and singer, popular for his works in Indian Cinema, prominently in Tamil films. Reputed to be one of ...
,
M. M. Keeravani, Koti,
Mani Sharma
Mani may refer to:
Geography
* Maní, Casanare, a town and municipality in Casanare Department, Colombia
* Mani, Chad, a town and sub-prefecture in Chad
* Mani, Evros, a village in northeastern Greece
* Mani, Karnataka, a village in Dakshina ...
,
Vandemataram Srinivas
Kanneboina Srinavasa Rao Yadav, known professionally as Vandemataram Srinivas, is an Indian music director and playback singer who works predominantly in Telugu cinema. He has won two Filmfare Awards and six Nandi Awards. He got the prefix "Vand ...
,
Devi Sri Prasad
Devi Sri Prasad (; born 2 August 1979) is an Indian film composer, lyricist, singer-songwriter and performer. Popularly known by his initials DSP, he is best known for his work in Telugu-language films, and has also worked in a few Tamil films ...
, Kamalakar,
RP Patnaik
Ravindra Prasad Patnaik is an Indian music composer, singer, actor, screenwriter and film director who works in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. He won three Filmfare Awards and three Nandi Awards.
He has toured the world to perform his live shows ...
,
Chakri,
Yuvan Shankar Raja
Yuvan Shankar Raja or Abdul Haliq (born 31 August 1979) is an Indian film score and soundtrack composer and singer-songwriter. He mainly scores music for Tamil films. Considered a versatile composer, he is particularly known for his use of Wes ...
,
Ramana Gogula
Ramana Gogula (born Gogula Ramana Murthy) is an Indo-American music composer and singer of film music and Indian pop, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. His notable film compositions include ''Premante Idera'' (1998), ''Thammudu'' (1999), '' ...
and others.
* ''Manorama'' (2009)
* ''Ee Vayasulo'' (2009)
* ''Junction'' (2008)
* ''Mr. Gireesam'' (2008)
* ''Sri Medaram Sammakka Sarakka Mahatyam'' (2008)
* ''Gunde Jhallumandi'' (2008)
* ''
Pandurangadu
''Pandurangadu'' is 2008 Telugu-language biographical film, based on the life of ''Pundarika'', produced by K. Krishna Mohana Rao on R. K. Film Associates banner, directed by K. Raghavendra Rao. Starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, Sneha, Tabu and m ...
'' (2008)
* ''Erra Samudram'' (2008)
* ''
Pourudu
''Pourudu'' () is a 2008 Telugu language action drama film written and directed by Raj Aditya. The film stars Sumanth and Kajal Aggarwal, while Suman, Nassar, Brahmanandam, Ali, Subbaraju, and Kota Srinivasa Rao play supporting roles. The fil ...
'' (2008)
* ''Bhadradri'' (2008)
* ''
Ontari'' (2008)
* ''
Athidhi
''Athidhi'' () is a 2007 Indian Telugu-language action romance film starring Mahesh Babu and Amrita Rao, directed by Surender Reddy and produced by G. Ramesh Babu, brother of Mahesh Babu, under their banner Krishna Pictures Private Limited. It ...
'' (2007)
* ''Bhayya'' (2007)
* ''
Chiruta'' (2007)
* ''Aa Roje'' (2007)
* ''Kalyanam'' (2007)
* ''Manchukurise Velalo'' (2007)
* ''Missing'' (2007)
* ''Pulakintha'' (2006)
* ''Amma Meeda Ottu'' (2005)
* ''Avunanna Kaadanna'' (2005)
* ''Ayodhya'' (2005)
* ''
Bhadra
''Bhadra''Feminine: sa, भद्रा, Bhadrā is a Sanskrit word meaning 'good', 'fortune' or 'auspicious'. It is also the name of many men, women and objects in Hindu mythology.
Male Figures King of Chedi
Bhadra was a king of Chedi Kingdom ...
'' (2005)
* ''Dhairyam'' (2005)
* ''
Evadi Gola Vaadidi
''Evadi Gola Vaadidhi'' is a 2005 Telugu language comedy film directed by E.V.V. Satyanarayana. It stars Aryan Rajesh and Deepika supported by Chalapathi Rao, Brahmanandam, Kondavalasa,Ali (actor), Ali and Jaya Prakash Reddy. This film was a ...
'' (2005)
* ''Friendship'' (2005)
* ''Good Boy'' (2005)
* ''Guru'' (2005)
* ''Manchukurise Velalo'' (2005)
* ''Meenakshi'' (2005)
* ''Moguds Pellams'' (2005)
* ''Pellam Pitchodu'' (2005)
* ''Pourusham'' (2005)
* ''Sada Mee Sevalo'' (2005)
* ''Satti'' (2005)
* ''Shravana Masam'' (2005)
* ''Thakadimitha'' (2005)
* ''Venkat Tho Alivelu'' (2005)
* ''
Aa Naluguru
''Aa Naluguru'' () is a 2004 Indian Telugu-language drama film directed by Chandra Siddhartha. The film stars Rajendra Prasad and Aamani with music composed by R. P. Patnaik. It is produced by Sarita Patra, and P. Prem Kumar. The film won th ...
'' (2004)
* ''Aadi C/O ABN College'' (2004)
* ''Apuroopam'' (2004)
* ''Avunu Nijame'' (2004)
* ''Jai'' (2004)
* ''Koduku'' (2004)
* ''Maa Ilavelpu'' (2004)
* ''Nayudamma'' (2004)
* ''Preminchukunnam Pelliki Randi'' (2004)
* ''Sreenu C/O Anu'' (2004)
* ''Sreenu Vasanthi Laxmi'' (2004)
* ''Swamy'' (2004)
* ''Tapana'' (2004)
* ''Thanks'' (2004)
* ''
Varsham'' (2004)
* ''
Aadanthe Ado Type
''Aadanthe Ado Type'' is a 2003 Indian Telugu language, Telugu-language romance film directed by E V V Satyanarayana, starring Sivaji (Telugu actor), Sivaji, Aryan Rajesh and Natassha, Anita Hassanandani. It is a remake of the 2002 Tamil cinema, ...
'' (2003)
* ''Aayudham'' (2003)
* ''Appudappudu'' (2003)
* ''
Dil'' (2003)
* ''Fools'' (2003)
* ''Golmaal'' (2003)
* ''Janaki Weds Sriram'' (2003)
* ''
Johnny
Johnny is an English language personal name. It is usually an affectionate diminutive of the masculine given name John, but from the 16th century it has sometimes been a given name in its own right for males and, less commonly, females.
Varian ...
'' (2003)
* ''Kaartik'' (2003)
* ''Kalyanam'' (2003)
* ''Maa Bapubommaku Pellanta'' (2003)
* ''Missamma'' (2003)
* ''
Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu
''Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu'' is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film starring Uday Kiran and Shriya Saran, directed by Raja Sekhar. It is produced by D. Suresh Babu on Suresh Productions banner. Krishnam Raju, Suman, Paruchuri Ven ...
'' (2003)
* ''
Nijam
''Nijam'' () is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language action film written, directed and produced by Teja on Chitram Movies banner. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Rakshita, Gopichand, and Raasi, with music was composed by R. P. Patnaik. Babu and Rames ...
'' (2003)
* ''Sambhu'' (2003)
* ''Aahuti'' (2002)
* ''
Allari Ramudu
''Allari Ramudu'' (English: ''Naughty Ramu'') is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film which starred N. T. Rama Rao Jr, Nagma, Gajala and Aarthi Agarwal. B. Gopal directed this film. It was dubbed into Hindi as ''Main Hoon Khuddar'' ...
'' (2002)
* ''Ammulu'' (2002)
* ''Andam'' (2002)
* ''Anveshna'' (2002)
* ''Chance'' (2002)
* ''Dhanush'' (2002)
* ''Eeswar'' (2002)
* ''Gemini'' (2002)
* ''Girl Friend'' (2002)
* ''Hai'' (2002)
* ''
Indra
Indra (; Sanskrit: इन्द्र) is the king of the devas (god-like deities) and Svarga (heaven) in Hindu mythology. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war. volumes/ref> I ...
'' (2002)
* ''
Jayam'' (2002)
* ''Jenda'' (2002)
* ''Jodi No.1'' (2002)
* ''Kubusam'' (2002)
* ''Manasundi...Ra!'' (2002)
* ''Memu'' (2002)
* ''Nee Premakai'' (2002)
* ''
Nee Sneham
''Nee Sneham'' ( en, Your Friendship) is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Paruchuri Murali, and written and produced by M. S. Raju on Sumanth Art Productions banner. The film stars Uday Kiran, Aarti Agarwal, and Jat ...
'' (2002)
* ''Neethodu Kaavali'' (2002)
* ''Nenu Ninnu Premistunnanu'' (2002)
* ''Ninne Cherukunta'' (2002)
* ''Nuvve Nenu Nene Nuvvu'' (2002)
* ''Pellam Oorelithe'' (2002)
* ''Premante'' (2002)
* ''Prudhvi Narayana'' (2002)
* ''
Santhosham'' (2002)
* ''
Sreeram'' (2002)
* ''Toli Parichayam'' (2002)
* ''Vachinavaadu Suryudu'' (2002)
* ''Ammo Bomma'' (2001)
* ''Badrachalam'' (2001)
* ''Manasantha Nuvve'' (2001)
* ''Nuvvu Leka Nenu Lenu'' (2001)
* ''
Nuvvu Nenu
''Nuvvu Nenu'' is a 2001 Indian Telugu-language romantic drama film directed by Teja who co-wrote it with Dasaradh. The film stars Uday Kiran and Anita while Sunil, Banerjee, Tanikella Bharani, Dharmavarapu Subramanyam, and Telangana Shakunta ...
'' (2001)
* ''Premaku Swagatham'' (2001)
* ''Shivudu'' (2001)
* ''
Takkari Donga
''Takkari Donga'' () is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language revisionist western film produced, written, and directed by Jayant Paranjee. The film starred Mahesh Babu, Lisa Ray, Bipasha Basu, and Rahul Dev in pivotal roles. Shot entirely in the United ...
'' (2001)
* ''Vechi Vunta'' (2001)
* ''Baachi'' (2000)
* ''
Chitram
''Chitram'' () is a 2000 Indian Telugu-language romantic comedy film written and directed by Teja. This film stars debutants Uday Kiran and Reema Sen in the lead roles. The film was sensational hit in 2000. The film is produced by Ramoji Rao.T ...
'' (2000)
* ''Shubhavela'' (2000)
* ''Chantigadu''
* ''Colours''
* ''Pavan Subbalakshmi Preminchukunnarata''
* ''Ramma ! Chilakamma''
* ''Rowdi''
Telugu Discography
External links
Official Website*
Interview IIIInterview IVVideo interviewIIIIIUsha in Padalanivundi
{{DEFAULTSORT:Usha
1979 births
Living people
Indian women playback singers
Telugu playback singers
21st-century Indian singers
Nandi Award winners
People from Guntur district
Singers from Andhra Pradesh
Film musicians from Andhra Pradesh
Women musicians from Andhra Pradesh
21st-century Indian women singers