Jani Chacko, the second husband of renowned singer Usha Uthup, passed away at the age of 78 due to a cardiac arrest in Kolkata on Monday. Known for leading a private life alongside Usha in the city, Jani was more than just a husband to the legendary singer—he was also a notable figure in India’s tea industry.
Born in 1946 to Brigadier CC Uthup in a Syrian Christian family in Kottayam, Jani Chacko completed his schooling in Chennai before moving to Kolkata in search of employment. In 1969, while Usha Uthup was performing at the renowned nightclub Trincas in Kolkata, they happened to meet paths. Their meeting signalled the start of an adventure that would last a lifetime.
Jani Chacko Uthup made significant contributions to India’s tea fraternity, working prominently with J Thomas & Co. His association with the tea plantation industry dates back to 1967 when he started as a tea taster and trainee with Thomas, Cumberlege, and Inskipp in London. He later joined the company as an active member, contributing his expertise to the growth of India’s tea exports.
The love story of Usha Uthup and Jani Chacko blossomed amidst Usha’s initial marriage to her first husband, Ramu. Despite the complexities, their affection for each other grew stronger over time, leading them to tie the knot after Usha’s separation from Ramu. Their union was celebrated as a tale of enduring romance during the era, as chronicled by Vikas Kumar Jha in his book “The Queen of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha Uthup.”