Who Was Jani Chacko? Usha Uthup's Husband And A Key Player In India's Tea Industry

Legendary singer Usha Uthup’s husband Jani Chacko passed away in Kolkata on July 8. He breathed his last at the age of 78 and died of cardiac arrest, as per PTI. The couple led a private life in Mumbai. While Usha Uthup is a household name across the country, her husband Jani is a well-known name in the world of tea plantations. 

Who is Jani Chacko? 

Jani Chacko was born in 1946. His father CC Uthup was a brigadier in the Indian army. He hailed from Kottayam, a city in Kerela. After completing his studies in Chennai, he moved to Calcutta in search of work. 

He met his future wife Usha Uthup in Calcutta. The singer was performing a gig at a nightclub in 1969. At the time, Usha was married to her first husband Ramu. Usha and Jani’s love story was hailed as remarkable because the singer chose to end her 5-year marriage to be with Jani. The duo fell in love between her gigs and soon tied the knot soon after. The couple has a son Sunny and daughter Anjali. 

Jani Chacko was an active part of India’s tea industry. He was working with J Thomas & Co. As per reports shared by the Bygone Plantation Days group, “Jani Chacko Uthup joined as a tea taster and trainee with Thomas, Cumberlege and Inskipp in London, and then joined the company later as an active member.”

Usha Uthup’s daughter pays moving tribute to late father

Legendary singer Usha Uthup's husband Jani Chacko died in Kolkata on Monday, their family confirmed the news, as per news agency PTI. He complained of discomfort while watching TV at their residence. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead, they said. A massive cardiac arrest was the trigger for the death, the family added.

Anjali took to her Instagram handle to pay tribute to her father. She shared a throwback photo and penned a heartfelt note, "Appa...gone too soon...but as stylishly as you lived...most handsome man in the world...we love you. A true gentleman and Lawrencian to the core and the finest Tea Taster." Jani Chacko's last rites will be held on Tuesday, July 9, the family told PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)