The Hindu launched its Lit for Life Unplugged event in Kolkata featuring performances by Usha Uthup and Anand Puri at Trincas [1].

The event serves as a cultural reclamation of Park Street, which was once regarded as India’s grandest stage for live music [1]. By bringing together legendary performers in a historic venue, the series aims to bridge the gap between the city's storied musical past and its contemporary arts scene.

The gathering focused on reliving the songs, stories, and serendipitous encounters that defined the evolution of Kolkata's music scene [1]. Trincas, a landmark establishment on Park Street, provided the backdrop for the evening. The venue is central to the city's identity as a hub for nightlife and artistic expression.

Usha Uthup's presence brought a sense of nostalgia to the evening. A reporter said that the lights of Park Street and the voice of Uthup echoing through Trincas created a moment soaked in nostalgia [2]. The performance included the song "Rambha Ho," which resonated with the audience's collective memory of the era when live music dominated the district [2].

The event took place on July 19 [1]. Along with Uthup, Anand Puri contributed to the musical atmosphere, helping to recreate the intimacy of an unplugged session. The initiative by The Hindu seeks to highlight the intersection of literature and music, treating the oral and sonic histories of the city as essential narratives.

Attendees experienced a curated blend of performance and storytelling. The focus remained on the specific geography of Park Street, emphasizing how the physical space of the city influenced the artistic output of its residents and visitors over several decades [1].

“Kolkata's Park Street was once India’s grandest stage for live music.”

The launch of Lit for Life Unplugged represents a shift toward experiential storytelling, where historical venues like Trincas are used as living archives. By linking a literary brand with live musical performance, The Hindu is positioning the city's sonic history as a critical component of its cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of Park Street's golden age of music is preserved for newer generations.