That Big-Voiced Girl
by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Asuma Noor
“That Big-Voiced Girl” by Mamta Nainy and illustrated by Asuma Noor. Published by Penguin. An amazing story of how the fabulous Usha Uthup found her way into the world of music and rocked it with her unusual voice.
Usha was different from everyone ever since she was born. Everyone around felt that she had a big voice. Her voice rang out inside the house as well as the neighbourhood. She would sing alone in her room day and night. The radio was her best friend. She would sing along with the songs that played on it. However, her voice didn’t sound anything like that of the singers of the original songs did.
Usha desired to sing everywhere. She went to the school choir audition enthusiastically only to be rejected for her big and booming voice. Her friends at school felt that her voice wasn’t sweet and sound like that of a girl. They asked her to tone it down. She began wondering if she would ever be able to sing outside. Read the book to find out how she ended up becoming a pioneering singer and rocked the world of Indian pop music by remaining true to herself and not changing her voice.
My 8.5 year old son and I enjoyed reading the book together. It was heartwarming to know about her childhood and how she became such an amazing star that she is. The spirit of following one’s passion even if it means not conforming to norms and standing out from the rest is what stands out in her story. My son used to dance to her song “Ramba Ho” when he was in nursery. His friends had performed a dance for that song on their annual day. Though he wasn’t part of it, he loved the song. He was happy to know the story of the singer. We saw one of my favourite videos of her singing “Skyfall” for an INKtalks talk.
Her signature dressing style of grand Kanjivaram sarees, that big bindi and hair full of jasmine flowers with so much grace and style. Usha Uthup rocks the stage! The book is part of “The Magic Makers” series which brings the stories of eminent people who ended up creating magic in their respective fields. We had already read and enjoyed the first book, “Roshan’s Road to Music” on Annapurna Devi who was one of the greatest Surbahar players.
Recommended Age
The book is apt for children aged 6 and above.
Reasons to Read
For the awe inspiring story behind one of the trailblazers of Indian pop music who stuck to her passion with determination in her own inimitable style.
Where to buy from?
An independent bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.
Disclaimer - We received this book from the publisher, Penguin India, for review. Thank you to Greeshma and Mansi, from Penguin, for sending across the book!