Usha has worked in feature films, short films, television since her debut in 2007.

She is best known for her role in the 2012 film, Dhag, for which she won the Best Actress Award at the 60th National Film Awards for her courageous and challenging portrayal of a poor rural woman who demands better opportunities for her son, instead of working at the village's cremation ground like her husband.

Usha recently featured in Ram Gopal Verma's Veerappan. Where she plays Muthulakshmi wife of Veerappan. Where she got praises from all critics and audiences for her natural portrayal. She has also featured in various independent films including the India/Australian co-production Salt Bridge in 2015 and Lucknow Times in 2015.

She has also appeared in many commercial ad campaigns since her rise to prominence in 2012.