Usha Uthup and Kailash Kher Ignite Sacred Amritsar Festival with Timeless Music

The Return of a Retro Icon

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Usha Uthup, the legendary figure from Bollywood's retro scene, captivated audiences at the Sacred Amritsar Festival. Throughout her career, she has remained true to her unique identity, starting her journey in the vibrant nightclubs of Chennai during the early 1960s, where she performed lively Western-style tunes.

At the age of 82, Usha continues to embody the essence of the retro queen, a true symbol of artistic individuality, eager to share her music with fans worldwide.

She expressed no resentment towards the creators of the remix of her classic hit, Rambha Ho, stating, “Once I create a song, it belongs to everyone. I’m thrilled that the younger generation, often referred to as Gen Z, can enjoy it,” as she took the stage at the festival.

Performing in front of a full house at the expansive Qila Gobindgarh, Usha energized the crowd with her beloved retro tracks. Hits like Darrrling and Yeh Hai Maya, along with a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s iconic ballad I Just Called To Say I Love You, had the audience reminiscing.

“Music from today will become tomorrow's retro. I believe that whatever music is created will resurface as generations evolve. Many songs I performed in 1969 or 1970 later became international sensations,” she remarked.

Among her favorites for the evening were classic Punjabi songs by Asa Singh Mastana, Gurdas Maan, and Sarabjit Kaur. “I have a deep admiration for Gurdas Maan. However, it was Asa Singh Mastana’s Kaali Teri Gutt that sparked my interest in Punjabi music. The energy and rhythm of Punjabi singers are unparalleled,” she praised. She even performed Kaali Teri Gutt at a concert in Bengal, where the audience, despite not knowing Punjabi, joined in with enthusiasm.

Currently, she is a fan of Punjabi artist Satinder Sartaj, whom she described as “amazing.” Before her performance in Amritsar, she had entertained audiences in Ludhiana last year. “I cherish the Punjabi audience. They reciprocate the love and energy that one feels for their music,” Usha promised to return with her unwavering passion for the arts.

Divine Musical Vibes

Kailash Kher, who began his journey at just 14, has emerged as one of India's most celebrated artists on the global stage. Known for his non-conformist approach to music, Kher shares not only his melodies but also his life experiences with audiences. From running away from home to embracing his identity as a 'rebel,' he connects deeply with spirituality through his art.

His music, characterized by its raw and intense nature, draws heavily from Indian classical and folk traditions, making him a standout figure in contemporary Indian music. When he performed with his band Kailasa at the Sacred Amritsar festival's grand finale at the historic Qila Gobindgarh, the atmosphere was electric.

“Performing in Amritsar feels like a pilgrimage. This city radiates spiritual energy and awareness like no other,” he reflected after his performance.

Celebrating 20 years since the inception of Kailasa, Kher noted that an entire generation has grown up with hits like Teri Deewani, Tauba Tauba, and Saiyyan. His performance was interactive, filled with humorous anecdotes and personal insights. At one point, he invited women from the audience to join him on stage—not for selfies, but to dance along as he sang Gaura Maiya Chali Kailash.

“Kailasa has performed in over 100-120 countries, consistently receiving a warm reception in India. Despite the current music scene being dominated by electronic sounds and new genres, emotional and spiritual music like ours will always find its audience,” he stated.

As a cultural icon in Sufi and folk music, Kailash Kher is celebrated for bringing these genres into mainstream popularity. His art is deeply spiritual, yet he avoids being preachy. “You must connect with the audience's energy, and I loved it when they sang and danced freely,” he concluded.