Usha Mangeshkar is an accomplished Indian playback singer who has recorded many Hindi and Marathi soundtracks. She is the youngest of the Mangeshkar sisters. She was born to classical singer father Dinanath Mangeshkar and into a family of musicians and music lovers. But she experienced her father`s death at a very sensitive age. Her voice had a quality that rarely suits any heroine`s voice. When she came down to Mumbai along with Lata Mangeshkar, she used to listen to her elder sister`s voice. Usha received her training in singing under the expert tutelage of Ustad Amanat Ali Khan and Ustad Aman Ali Khan.

During their time at Mumbai, both the sisters Usha and Lata used to attend concerts by Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Usha Mangeshkar apart from her training in classical music also received training in classical dance; she took to professional singing at a very early age. Usha was deeply moved by Lata`s style of singing. But she possessed a distinctly different kind of voice quality from the Nightingale of India.

With such tonal calibre she sang many songs in films like, Jai Santoshi Maa (released in the year 2006); Lav Kush (released in the year 1997); Maahir (released in the year 1996); Aaj Ka Samson (released in the year 1991); Joshilaay (released in the year 1989); Jaaydaad (released in the year 1989); Maine Pyar Kiya (released in the year 1989); Jumbish: A Movement - The Movie (released in the year 1986); Ek Pal (released in the year 1986); Jhoothi (released in the year 1985); Jeene Nahi Doonga (released in the year 1984); Yeh Desh (released in the year 1984); Disco Dancer (released in the year 1983); Achha Bura (released in the year 1983); Dard-E-Dil (released in the year 1983); Dhola Maru (released in the year 1983); Hamari Bahu Alka (released in the year 1982); Sahhas (released in the year 1981); Dhanwan (released in the year 1981); Wardaat (released in the year 1981); Naseeb (released in the year 1981); Jagya Tyathi Sawaar (released in the year 1981); Jiyo To Aise Jiyo (released in the year 1981); Shaan (released in the year 1980); Unees-Bees (released in the year 1980); Jyoti Bane Jwala (released in the year 1980); The Burning Train (released in the year 1980); Aman Laxmi (released in the year 1980); Bhavni Bhavai (released in the year 1980); Khubsoorat (released in the year 1980); Tarana (released in the year 1979); Kartavya (released in the year 1979); Hamare Tumhare (released in the year 1979); Aaitya Bilavar Nagoba (released in the year 1979); Ashaati Beej (released in the year 1979); Debdas (released in the year 1979); Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin (released in the year 1979); Kaala Aadmi (released in the year 1978); Khatta Meetha (released in the year 1978); Muqaddar (released in the year 1978); Aap Ki Khatir (released in the year 1977); Do Chehere (released in the year 1977); Farishta Ya Qatil (released in the year 1977); Gayatri Mahima (released in the year 1977); Inkaar (released in the year 1977); Janam Janam Na Saath (released in the year 1977); Jay Vejay (released in the year 1977); Kachcha Chor (released in the year 1977); Kulvadhu (released in the year 1977); Parvarish (released in the year 1977); Shirdi Ke Sai Baba (released in the year 1977); Sabse Bada Rupaiya (released in the year 1976); Bhadar Tara Vehata Paani (released in the year 1976); Jeevan Jyoti (released in the year 1976); Faraar (released in the year 1975); Julie (released in the year 1975); Do Jhoot (released in the year 1975); Jai Santoshi Maa (released in the year 1975); Ponga Pandit (released in the year 1975); Rafoo Chakkar (released in the year 1975); Manoranjan (released in the year 1974); Namak Haraam (released in the year 1973); Dhund (released in the year 1973); Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar (released in the year 1973); Dil Ki Rahen (released in the year 1973); Rani Aur Jaani (released in the year 1973); Jangal Mein Mangal (released in the year 1972); Aankhon Aankhon Mein (released in the year 1972); Gora Aur Kala (released in the year 1972); Sazaa (released in the year 1972); Holi Ayee Re (released in the year 1970); Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan? (released in the year 1970); Pavitra Paapi (released in the year 1970); Do Raaste (released in the year 1969); Jeene Ki Raah (released in the year 1969); Ankhen (released in the year 1968); Raja Aur Runk (released in the year 1968); Sadhu Aur Shaitaan (released in the year 1968); Anita (released in the year 1967); Baharon Ke Sapne (released in the year 1967); Bai Mee Bholi (released in the year 1967); Chandan Ka Palna (released in the year 1967); Deiva Janile Kuni (released in the year 1967); Deva Tuzhi Sonyachi Jejuri (released in the year 1967); Dulhan Ek Raat Ki (released in the year 1967); Lav-Kush (released in the year 1967); Taqdeer (released in the year 1967); Aasra (released in the year 1966); Devar (released in the year 1966); Dillagi (released in the year 1966); Dus Lakh (released in the year 1966); Husn Aur Ishq alias Alif Laila (released in the year 1966); Ladka Ladki (released in the year 1966); Pyar Kiye Jaa (released in the year 1966); Sawan Ki Ghata (released in the year 1966); Johar-Mehmood in Goa (released in the year 1965); Gumnaam (released in the year 1965); Khandaan (released in the year 1965); Poonam Ki Raat (released in the year 1965); Sikandar E Azam (released in the year 1965); Benazir (released in the year 1964); Chitralekha (released in the year 1964); Sati Savitri (released in the year 1964); Begaana (released in the year 1963); Bluff Master (released in the year 1963); Holiday in Bombay (released in the year 1963); Kinare Kinare (released in the year 1963); Mere Arman Mere Sapne (released in the year 1963); Nartakee (released in the year 1963); Shikari (released in the year 1963); Burmah Road (released in the year 1962); Mehendi Lagi Mere Hath (released in the year 1962); Professor (released in the year 1962); Ummeed (released in the year 1962); Kabuliwala (released in the year 1961); Usne Kaha Tha (released in the year 1960); Kavi Kalidas (released in the year 1959); Main Nashe Men Hoon (released in the year 1959); Mother India (released in the year 1957); Azaad (released in the year 1955); Devdas (released in the year 1955); Naukari (released in the year 1954).

In 1953, Usha Mangeshkar sang a song which became widely admired. `Bhabhi aayeee` [subah ka tara]- the song formed under the music composition of the leading composer of that era, C Ramchandra became such a huge hit that offers started to pour in for Usha to sing children`s numbers. She sang Aplam chaplam again for C Ramchandra in `Azaad` which remains popular even to this day. Her ground of not singing sober numbers was that she never really took singing as a permanent engagement, she was more inclined to studies and painting. Usha Mangeshkar was exceptionally close to her mother and she cared for her company. And since Usha adored travelling therefore she accompanied her mother every time she was on some trip. Whatever songs flashed in her mind, she lapped them up. Another episode that was a frequent happening was, she received calls to sing in public functions, because Lata Mangeshkar was preoccupied with her workload. And composers close to the Mangeshkar family preferred Usha Mangeshkar to sing for them rather than hiring a stranger. That is precisely how she got to sing most of her numbers.

Acknowledging her talent she has been conferred many accolades like, BFJA Award for Best Female Playback Singer for `Jai Santoshi Maa` (in the year 1975); Filmfare Nomination as Best Female Playback Singer for the song "Main to Aarti" from `Jai Santoshi Maa` (in the year1975); Filmfare Nomination as Best Female Playback Singer for the song "Mangta Hai To Aaja" from `Inkaar` (in the year1977).