"Started As Nightclub Singer": Usha Uthup After Getting Padma Bhushan

Singer Usha Uthup said she was grateful that the government recognised her contribution

Singer Usha Uthup, who has received Padma Bhushan for her contribution to the field of music, said she was "thrilled and honoured" to receive the award."I am so excited and you can feel it in my voice. I haven't been able to get over it as yet," she told NDTV.

She said she was grateful that the government recognised her contribution. The most important thing is to be appreciated by your country. "Thank you so much, my country for giving me this award," she said.

Ms Uthup thanked her parents, family, musicians and audience for helping her achieve her dream. "Without my people, I will absolutely be a zero," she said.