Usha Uthup has one of the most iconic and recognizable voices among all the legendary singers of India. But did you know that, prior to becoming famous and becoming one of the most renowned singers in the country, she used to sing jazz and Western pop at an establishment that still exists today? We’re, of course, talking about Trincas, a restaurant and bar in Kolkata where time seems to have paused in the 1960s. In this unsobered guide, we are going to give you a brief history lesson on Trincas and why it is so iconic, even a century later!
This legendary establishment first opened its doors in the year 1927 by the Swiss gentlemen Quinto Cinzio Trinca and J Flury of the iconic Flury’s sweet shop in Kolkata. Many people might be surprised to learn that when Trincas initially opened, it was a tea room and not a bar.
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As a matter of fact, it didn’t become a bar until the ownership changed. In 1959, hospitality professionals Om Prakash Puri and Ellis Joshua took over and completely reinvented the place. It was then that the stage where Usha Uthup started was added.
Soon, the restaurant gained popularity for its upscale ambiance and live jazz music scene. During the 1970s, it was a premier hub for the jazz scene in Kolkata. Dress codes there, at the time, were strictly formal. Soon, the establishment also got the attention of many celebrities in that day and age. One anecdote, in particular, is quite well-known.
If reports are to go by, Usha Uthup moved to Kolkata in 1969. She got a job at Trincas and, in a bar where everyone was dressed in elegant, albeit Western, clothes, Usha decided to sing flawless jazz tunes in her elegant Kanjeevaram Sarees. Combined with her signature broad bindi, her style and her voice made her stand out.
One fateful evening, Dev Anand walked into the bar with his movie crew. While having dinner, he was captivated by Uthup’s heavy, contralto voice. The fact that she was so uniquely dressed also helped in securing his attention.
He loved her singing so much that he offered her a break. Pretty soon, she was captivating not just Dev Anand and the patrons of Trincas, but also the entire country.
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It has witnessed a number of celebrities, as patrons and as singers. Celebrities that have been spotted here include Tiger Pataudi, Dev Anand, Amitabh Bachchan, Sharmila Tagore, and Satyajit Ray, to name a few.
In addition to the powerhouse singer Usha Uthup, the stage here has also witnessed famous jazz singers like Pam Crain.
When you enter Trincas today, it feels as though you’ve stepped back in time. The waitstaff is clad in fine, black suits, and the walls are adorned with framed newspaper cuttings that mention Trincas. Clearly, the bar is steeped in history. Today, it harkens back to a bygone era and is almost a time capsule to the 1960s and 70s.
Address: 17, Park St, near Oxford Book Store, Taltala, Kolkata
Timings: 11:30 AM to 11:45 PM
Cost For Two: INR 1,600 approx.
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After going through its history in such great detail, it is clear why this particular place is so iconic. When it was first revamped, its offerings were a big cultural shift for the dining scene of Kolkata. Since then, it has managed to entertain and enthrall all those who have been lucky enough to walk through its doors, be it stars or locals. Trincas has also witnessed its fair share of celebrities, from Amitabh Bachchan and Dev Anand to Tiger Pataudi and Satyajit Ray. The story of Usha Uthup’s talent being discovered here is only one of the many aspects that make this establishment an institution. In case you’re in Kolkata but haven’t visited this place, don’t delay visiting any longer!
