Kolkata, India – For over a century, the iconic Trincas on Park Street has been more than just a venue; it has been a sanctuary, a stage, and a repository of memories for Kolkata. This legendary establishment, a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant cultural landscape, is now set to be celebrated in a unique event that promises to weave together music, history, and personal narrative. On July 19th, under the banner of The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged, the soulful voice of Usha Uthup and the historical insights of Anand Puri, third-generation custodian of Trincas, will converge at this hallowed ground. The event, titled When Park Street Sings: A Conversation on Music, Memory & Kolkata, will be moderated by Shonali Muthalaly, Associate Editor of The Hindu, offering a captivating exploration of Usha Uthup’s illustrious career and the storied legacy of Trincas and Park Street, a district that once pulsed with music every night of the week.
Usha Uthup, a Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awardee, speaks of Trincas with a reverence that transcends mere professional association. "Trincas is like home to me. It is my mandir, it is my masjid, it is my girija. It is my hallowed ground, really. I still feel a lump in my throat when I enter it. Trincas is my everything," she shares, her voice resonating with profound gratitude. This deep connection forms the emotional bedrock of the upcoming conversation, promising an intimate glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between an artist and a place that shaped her destiny.
The Golden Age of Park Street: A Symphony of Sounds and Stars
The 1960s marked a golden era for Park Street, a period when it rightfully earned its title as India’s live music capital. This vibrant decade witnessed the flourishing of a unique "Park Street circuit," where nearly every major restaurant boasted resident bands. This ecosystem fostered an environment where audiences could embark on a musical odyssey, hopping from one venue to another, discovering diverse orchestras, captivating singers, and energetic dance bands. Trincas, in this illustrious constellation, emerged as the marquee address. Renowned for its expansive dance floor, its discerning talent scouting, and its impromptu jam sessions that drew the city’s burgeoning Anglo-Indian musical talent, Trincas became the epicenter of this musical revolution.
This was a time when the boundaries between different strata of society blurred within the convivial atmosphere of establishments like Trincas. Industrialists shared tables with actors, Maharajas mingled with musicians, and Indian and West Indian cricket legends sought respite and camaraderie after gruelling matches. The establishment also served as a stepping stone for many who would later achieve national and international fame. A young Amitabh Bachchan graced its halls before his ascent to superstardom, as did luminaries like Sharmila Tagore, Saira Banu, and Randhir Kapoor. In a testament to the vibrant and sometimes serendipitous nature of the era, members of the legendary British rock band The Who once wandered into Trincas, only to find a live band playing their songs, utterly unaware that the original artists were in the audience.
Usha Uthup herself recounts a poignant encounter with the beloved Bengali matinee idol, Uttam Kumar. "I didn’t even know who Uttam Kumar was when I first arrived in Kolkata," she reminisces. "On my second or third day at Trincas, he came to watch me perform. One of the musicians leaned over and said, ‘The crowd is going wild because that’s Bengal’s biggest star’. I remember thinking how incredibly debonair and handsome he looked." This anecdote encapsulates the magical confluence of talent and recognition that defined Trincas and Park Street during that era.
Trincas: A Century of Stories, From Confectionery to Cultural Hub
The history of Trincas itself is a narrative woven into the fabric of Kolkata’s evolution. Established in 1927 as a Swiss confectionery and tea room by Quinto Cinzio Trinca and Joseph Flury, it shared its early genesis with the neighbouring Flurys. A 1936 image depicting both establishments on Park Street hints at their shared origins and the burgeoning cosmopolitan character of the area. Over the decades, Trincas transformed from a quaint tea room into a vibrant hub of social and cultural activity, a testament to its adaptability and enduring appeal.
Anand Puri, whose forthcoming book chronicles a century of Calcutta through the story of Trincas, views the establishment as far more than just a celebrated address. His research delves deep into the origins of the city’s diverse population, tracing migrations from the Swiss Alps, Lahore, and Rangoon into Calcutta, with Trincas serving as a fascinating focal point. "In the 1960s, Park Street had become what Anand calls ‘the most exciting entertainment destination in India’," the article notes. This description underscores the magnetic pull of the area, where the rhythm of live music dictated the pulse of the city’s social life.
Puri elaborates on the unique atmosphere: "It had the biggest dance floor. The talent selection was spot on. The younger crowd, especially Anglo-Indian musicians, gathered there for morning and afternoon jam sessions. By evening, the city’s glitterati took over." This dual role, catering to both aspiring artists and the established elite, contributed to Trincas’s unparalleled status.
The Usha Uthup Phenomenon: An Unlikely Star is Born
The narrative of Trincas is inextricably linked with the rise of Usha Uthup, a singer whose distinctive voice and unconventional persona would redefine the musical landscape of India. Anand Puri’s grandfather, a keen observer of talent, was instrumental in discovering Usha. In 1969, during a hotel association conference in Madras, he was captivated by the performance of a young singer named Usha Iyer. Convinced of her extraordinary potential, he returned to Kolkata and collaborated with Ellis Joshua, Trincas’s music programmer. An inland letter was dispatched, extending an invitation that would irrevocably alter the course of Kolkata’s cultural memory.
Usha’s arrival at Trincas was a watershed moment. Anand Puri vividly recalls the transformative impact: "No one expected a sari-clad lady with a large bindi to sound like a Western crooner. The singers on Park Street usually wore gowns and evening dresses. Ushaji surprised everyone." This visual and sonic departure from the norm, coupled with her powerful and versatile vocal delivery, created a sensation. Soon, queues began to snake outside Trincas, with audiences flocking not only for her unmistakable voice but also for her engaging wit and charismatic stage presence.
The trajectory of Usha Uthup’s career is a testament to her individuality and resilience. Long before she became a household name, she performed on the Trincas stage, a platform that also hosted other aspiring artists who would later achieve international acclaim, such as Engelbert Humperdinck (then Arnold Dorsey) and music producer Biddu Appaiah. Biddu’s later success with hits like "Kung Fu Fighting" and his transformative work with Indian pop artists like Nazia Hassan, Alisha Chinai, Shaan, and Shweta Shetty, further highlights the fertile ground that Trincas and Park Street represented for musical innovation.
Trincas Timeline Project: Preserving a City’s Musical Heritage
Anand Puri’s dedication to preserving the legacy of Trincas is evident in his ongoing "Trincas Timeline Project." This ambitious initiative aims to create an exhaustive archive of anecdotes and memories shared by former patrons and artists who have passed through its doors over the decades. These stories, scattered across the globe, are being meticulously collected and documented, forming the basis of his forthcoming book. This project underscores the vital role that establishments like Trincas play as custodians of a city’s collective memory, preserving intangible heritage that transcends mere bricks and mortar.
The forthcoming book, which will be unveiled at the Lit for Life event, promises to offer a comprehensive chronicle of 100 years of Calcutta, viewed through the lens of Trincas. It will explore the diverse backgrounds of those who frequented the establishment, from European immigrants to individuals from various parts of India and beyond, illustrating how Trincas became a melting pot of cultures and experiences.
Usha Uthup’s Memoir: A Tapestry of Life, Music, and Kolkata
The conversation at The Hindu Lit for Life Unplugged will also delve into Usha Uthup’s own memoir, The Queen of Indian Pop: The Authorised Biography of Usha Uthup. Published by Penguin Random House, the book originated from an interview with journalist Vikas Kumar Jha. What began as a conversation evolved into a comprehensive biography, unearthing deeply embedded memories. Originally written in Hindi as Ullas Ki Naav, the English translation by Srishti Jha beautifully captures the essence of Usha’s life journey.
Usha Uthup speaks fondly of the book, highlighting her favourite chapters. "It actually began as an interview I was supposed to do with journalist Vikas Kumar Jha. We started talking, and the interview became so interesting. At one point I wondered, ‘How can this remain just an interview?’ That’s when he suggested, ‘Let’s make it a biography.’" She reveals a particular fondness for the chapters detailing her childhood, recalling idyllic afternoons spent reading comics under a guava tree with her brother, and the simple joy of making strings for her brothers’ kites.
Kolkata: A City That Grows On You
For Usha Uthup, Kolkata is not merely a city where her career flourished; it is the place that shaped her life in profound and indelible ways. "I love Calcutta," she states with simple affection. "It gave me my husband. It gave me my music. My children grew up here." She employs a powerful metaphor to describe the city’s hold on her: "The thing about Calcutta is that it grows on you. One day, you realise it’s in your bloodstream. You never quite know when you started loving it." This sentiment resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the unique charm and allure of Kolkata.
Her vision for the city is one of peace, cleanliness, and communal harmony. "I want it to be peaceful. I want it to be clean, green, safe and secure for everyone. I want us to move towards bringing back the beautiful things that have always defined this city: unity and complete secularism. And like I always say, why spend so much time to fight when there’s so little time to love?" This philosophy, she attributes to her father, whose advice has served as her guiding principle: "Whenever you come to a crisis, ask yourself three questions: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? If you answer those honestly, you’ll have no reason to feel frustrated."
This grounded perspective has profoundly influenced her definition of success. Reflecting on her first salary of ₹750, she emphasizes the importance of internal comparison over external validation. "My father always said, ‘Never compare yourself with anyone else. Compare yourself with who you were.’ When I think about where I came from and where I am today, I feel nothing but gratitude."
The Legacy Continues: An Evening of Music and Memory
The upcoming Lit for Life Unplugged event at Trincas promises to be a rich tapestry of stories, weaving together the personal journey of Usha Uthup with the historical significance of Trincas and Park Street. Audiences can expect to hear about:
- The remarkable transformation of a young Tamilian singer from Mumbai into an icon synonymous with Kolkata.
- The compelling reasons behind Park Street’s ascent as India’s premier entertainment capital.
- Unveiled narratives from Trincas’s century-long history, offering a glimpse into its evolution.
- Insights into the creation of Anand Puri’s forthcoming book, which chronicles a century of Calcutta through the story of Trincas.
- A reflection on why restaurants often serve as invaluable repositories of a city’s collective memory.
For one evening, the stage that has witnessed the genesis of countless careers and provided the soundtrack to Kolkata’s vibrant past will once again come alive. It will be a space where stories are performed, where the melodies of yesterday resonate with the aspirations of today, and where the enduring love affair between an artist, a city, and an iconic establishment will be celebrated.
Lit for Life Unplugged, a segment of The Hindu’s prestigious Lit for Life festival, will be held at Trincas on July 19th at 4:30 PM. Entry is free with prior registration. With a limited capacity of 100 seats, early registration is highly encouraged. To secure your spot and step into the room where Kolkata’s soundtrack was once written, please register at: https://forms.thehindu.co.in/LFLunplugged/
