Usha Uthup Champions the Enduring Power of Books at Kolkata Literary Festival
Kolkata, India – Amidst the vibrant energy of the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), legendary Indian pop icon Usha Uthup delivered a resounding endorsement for the timeless magic of books. In her inaugural address, Uthup emphasized the profound and lasting impact of literature on young minds, urging the digital generation to rediscover the joy of reading. She contrasted the ephemeral nature of social media posts with the enduring power of printed words, advocating for a return to books as a means of connecting with one’s roots and fostering deeper intellectual engagement. Uthup’s presence at the festival, a blend of literary luminaries and artists from diverse fields, symbolized the festival’s commitment to celebrating the interconnectedness of creative expression.
Uthup, whose career spans over five decades, captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity. Her rendition of the Ganesha Vandana, a traditional Hindu hymn, followed by a powerful interpretation of Adele’s iconic James Bond theme, "Skyfall," showcased her versatility and ability to transcend genres. Her appearance at a literary festival, initially a source of amusement and curiosity, has become a testament to the festival’s inclusivity and its recognition of the shared creative spirit that unites artists across disciplines. Uthup acknowledged the initial surprise her presence at a literary event might have evoked, humorously recalling how people might have questioned the "Ramba Ho" singer’s place among literary figures. However, her continued engagement with literary events has solidified her place as a respected voice in the artistic community.
Reflecting on her remarkable 55-year journey in the music industry, Uthup expressed her deep gratitude to her dedicated team, sound technicians, camera crew, and most importantly, her loyal audience. She emphasized the crucial role listeners play in an artist’s success, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between performer and audience. Her humility and acknowledgment of the collective effort behind her enduring career resonated with the attendees, reinforcing the festival’s theme of collaboration and shared creative experiences. Uthup’s presence at the festival served as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the enduring power of connection between artist and audience.
The festival also featured model and fitness icon Milind Soman, who discussed his book, "Keep Moving," co-authored with his mother, Usha, and wife, Ankita. Soman, who is approaching his 60th birthday, defined fitness as the capacity to fully embrace life’s experiences, both physically and mentally. He emphasized that fitness is not about competition but about preparing oneself to seize every moment with energy and enthusiasm. Sharing his personal fitness journey, Soman recounted his early years as a competitive swimmer and his later discovery of a passion for running, sparked by the Mumbai Marathon in 2004. This experience transformed his perspective on running, motivating him to prove that Indians could excel in long-distance running, despite prevailing doubts. He went on to complete the 21-kilometer race with ease, defying expectations and inspiring others.
Soman also highlighted his commitment to promoting women’s fitness through Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s running event. He founded Pinkathon to create a safe and inclusive space for women to embrace fitness without judgment or pressure. The event has become a powerful platform for empowering women and fostering a supportive community around health and well-being. Soman’s advocacy for fitness and his commitment to creating inclusive platforms for women aligns with the festival’s broader themes of empowerment and social change. His presence highlighted the intersection of physical and mental well-being with the literary and artistic pursuits celebrated at the festival.
The three-day AKLF boasted an impressive lineup of over 120 speakers, including renowned writers, intellectuals, and prominent figures from various fields. The diverse roster of speakers included Dr. Alka Pande, Anand Neelakantan, Anita Agnihotri, Ashis Nandy, Blossom Kochhar, Chinmoy Guha, Kunal Basu, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Rajdeep Sardesai, Ramachandra Guha, Ruchir Joshi, Shobhaa De, Sugata Bose, Sumantra Ghosal, Shaun Kenworthy, William Dalrymple, and Ila Arun. Festival Director Anjum Katyal described AKLF as a celebration of the vast spectrum of literature, from established authors to emerging voices, encompassing genres from poetry to children’s and young adult literature. The festival aimed to offer something for everyone, mirroring the diverse offerings of a well-stocked bookstore, providing both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. The impressive lineup reflected the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of literary voices and promoting a vibrant exchange of ideas.