# Amitabh Bachchan Reminisces About Kolkata Days on KBC 18, Praising Park Street Nightlife and Usha Uthup

> On Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, Amitabh Bachchan looked back at his early career in Kolkata, recounting the vibrant nightlife of Park Street and the groundbreaking performances of Usha Uthup.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Entertainment · **Published:** 2026-10-02 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/entertainment/kbc-18-men-amitabh-bachchan-ne-taja-kin-kolkata-ki-yaden-park-street-ki-raunaka-aura-usha-uthup-ke-suron-ka-kiya-bakhana-41803 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Amitabh Bachchan, Kaun Banega Crorepati 18, Park Street, Kolkata, Usha Uthup, Dev Anand, Louiz Banks

The stage of the television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 frequently turns into a treasure trove of nostalgic memories courtesy of host Amitabh Bachchan. In a recent episode, while engaging in a candid conversation with contestant Shaurjya Das, the veteran actor took a journey down memory lane to recount his youthful days spent in Kolkata. He fondly highlighted why the city, particularly the iconic Park Street, continues to hold an indelible place in his heart.

## The Unique Dining and Nightlife Culture of Park Street
Reflecting on the era when he resided in Kolkata during his formative career, Amitabh Bachchan shared that Park Street stood as the undisputed capital of evening entertainment. He pointed out that along a single stretch of road, there were 5 to 6 extraordinary restaurants lined up side by side. The actor observed that even after traveling extensively across the globe, he had never come across another place where so many top-tier dining establishments coexisted on a single street, giving the area an electric and unforgettable nightlife atmosphere.

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## The Golden Era of Live Music and Jazz Legends
Delving into Kolkata's rich restaurant culture, Bachchan highlighted that live musical performances were a major cultural draw during that period. Prominent establishments along Park Street regularly showcased exceptional artists who performed live for evening diners. Mentioning celebrated figures such as Usha Uthup and Louiz Banks, he praised their musical mastery and remarked that these legends were truly exceptional in their craft. Bachchan also humorously noted that his own talents paled in comparison to such musical stalwarts.

## Breaking Stereotypes: Western Rhythms in a Traditional Saree
This nostalgic recollection brought back memories of pop icon Usha Uthup's breakthrough years, which began in 1969 when she started performing at Kolkata nightclubs. At a time when Western and jazz music had established aesthetic norms, she boldly chose to grace the stage dressed in a traditional saree, adorned with a bindi and fresh gajra. Belting out soulful Western and jazz tracks while embracing authentic Indian attire offered audiences a fresh and groundbreaking cultural synthesis that quickly became her signature hallmark.

## The Bollywood Breakthrough with Dev Anand
Usha Uthup's resonant vocals and distinctive performance style soon captured the admiration of leading film stars, including Dev Anand and Shashi Kapoor. After witnessing her live performance during a musical event in Delhi, Dev Anand offered her a career-defining break in his landmark feature film Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Seizing that pivotal opportunity, Usha Uthup never looked back, going on to cement an enduring legacy as one of Indian pop music's most celebrated pioneers.

## Why this happened
The relaxed format of Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 allows host Amitabh Bachchan to share personal anecdotes and engage in meaningful conversations with contestants.

- **Connection with the Contestant:** Interacting with contestant Shaurjya Das, who hailed from Kolkata, prompted an organic discussion about the city's heritage.
- **Bachchan's Formative Years:** Before achieving stardom in Hindi cinema, the actor lived and worked in Kolkata during the early phase of his career.
- **Historical Prominence of Park Street:** During the 1960s and 1970s, Kolkata's Park Street served as the country's prime cultural hub for live jazz, pop music, and fine dining.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Which contestant was Amitabh Bachchan speaking to when discussing Kolkata on KBC 18?
Amitabh Bachchan shared these memories while conversing with contestant Shaurjya Das on the show.

### 2. What unique feature of Park Street did Amitabh Bachchan highlight?
He highlighted that 5 to 6 world-class restaurants stood along a single street, creating an unmatched dining and entertainment atmosphere.

### 3. Which musical legends did Amitabh Bachchan mention from Kolkata's live music scene?
He praised celebrated artists including singer Usha Uthup and musician Louiz Banks for their exceptional craft.

### 4. When did Usha Uthup begin her singing career in Kolkata nightclubs?
Usha Uthup began performing professionally at Kolkata nightclubs in the year 1969.

### 5. Who gave Usha Uthup her breakthrough opportunity in Hindi cinema?
Actor Dev Anand offered her a break in his film Hare Rama Hare Krishna after watching her perform in Delhi.

## Inspiration & Lessons
The early struggles and journeys of icons like Usha Uthup and Amitabh Bachchan provide powerful lessons in authenticity and artistic dedication.

- **Embracing Authenticity:** By performing Western jazz while proudly wearing a traditional saree, bindi, and gajra, Usha Uthup proved that true individuality stands out in any arena.
- **Humility in Stardom:** Despite his legendary stature, Amitabh Bachchan's genuine admiration for fellow artists demonstrates the grace of staying humble.
- **Seizing Life-Changing Opportunities:** When discovered by Dev Anand during a live show, Usha Uthup channeled the opportunity in Hare Rama Hare Krishna into an enduring musical career.

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