Tribute to Legendry Playback Singer Asha Bhosle

 

Tribute to Legendry Playback Singer Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle was one of the most skilled and talented singers, who sang songs from the depths of her heart. The most recorded voice on this earth and a pioneer of Indian film music, Asha Bhosle's artistry belonged to a very specific cultural genre. Her voice was innocent, mischievous, reverent and heart-wrenchingly emotional. She redefined Bollywood playback singing by incorporating ancient, Hindustani classical singing as well as styles from across India, disco, polka, waltz and Latin music. The queen of South Asian pop, Asha has sung semi-classical styles and culture-infused pop hybrids. Her musical repertoire is a vast repository of all kinds of songs, naughty dance numbers, cabaret, jazz, pop, ghazals, folk songs, qawwalis, bhajans and Rabindra Sangeet.

Asha Bhosle carved out her own unique identity by staying away from the shadow of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar and also made her presence felt in the field of playback singing. A multi-layered voice that embodied the soul of a lover, a sister, a vamp and a woman on the verge of rebellion in various guises. Asha Bhosle became a recognizable icon in her own right as a playback singer for Bollywood actresses of the 50s and 60s. She remained the queen of playback singing till the age of seventy and her voice was reminiscent of hot chocolate on a winter day.

From fun-filled cabaret numbers to soul-stirring ghazals, Asha Bhosle created a sonic universe where boldness meets beauty and mischief mingles with sadness. Be it Madhubala's extended 'Ai-ye-ye-ye-ye' before 'Meharbaan', or Sadhana's 'Nahi, Nahi, Nahi, Nahi' in 'Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar' or Rekha's 'Bas Ek Baar Mera Kaha Maan Lijiye' with a simple emphasis on 'Bas', the boundless hope and pitch experimentation of 'Jaane Jaan Dhundhata', the slightly raised cold breeze in Kajol's 'Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main', all these are the different shades of Asha Bhosle's singing. 

She has lent her voice to both the heroines and vamps of Indian cinema. In the film "Teesri Manzil" (1966), Asha sang the song 'Aaja Aaja' for the lead actress Asha Parekh as well as a cabaret song 'O Haseena Zulfonwali' for a nightclub dancer Ruby (Helen). She could convey sensuality and tender feelings in just a single note change. Asha's style also extended her involvement with musical genres beyond traditional Indian styles. In her various collaborations with R.D. Burman and others, her voice weaves a tangled web of musical traditions with a variety of instruments, which, despite their foreign origins, emerge as capable of expressing Indian emotions. The song 'Ho Gayi Sham' from the film "Naughty Boy" features dhol, accordion and saxophone. While 'Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu' (Waqt, 1965) begins with a Western orchestra and guitar music. In 'Chura Liya Hai' (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973), Zeenat Aman plays the guitar. Helen-Bindu's repertoire of mostly cabaret and other charming numbers put a 'vampremium' on the ever-present sensual inclination in Asha's singing.

Her energetic chartbusters have a silky supple quality to her singing, while the sad songs focus on the rich, caramel tone of her singing. The pale phulkari of ‘Eena Meena Deeka’, the classical gaiety of ‘Kahe Tarse Jiyara’, the rustic charm of ‘Paan Khaye Saiyan’, the infectious attitude of ‘Nigahe Milne Ko’, the fun-lovingness of ‘Duniya Main Logon Ko’, the sultry dawn of ‘Ab Jo Mile Hain To’, the floor-burning antics of ‘Disco Station’, the dreamy romance of ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumane Jo Dil Ko’, the dripping sensuality of ‘Tanha Tanha’, the playful beats of ‘Le Gayi Le Gayi’, Asha Bhosle’s talent knows no bounds.

Asha Bhosle was born on September 8, 1933, into a musical Marathi family in village Goar (Sangli district, Maharashtra). Her father Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar was a theatre artist and a classical singer. She learnt to sing in the classical style from her father. Her father died, when she was only nine. To support the family, she and her elder sister Lata started acting in the films. The hardships of life, poverty and countless bitter experiences left a deep mark on Asha's early life. As a result, not only her family life but also her career in the film industry started off in a neglected manner.

Music composer Datta Dawekar saw great talent in Asha, and recorded her first song 'Chal Chal Chal Nav Bala' for the Marathi film "Maajha Bal" (1943). Asha Bhosle, while sharing her first recording experience, said that she was very nervous when she came to raise her pitch while performing the song. But Datta Dawekar never lost patience and finally the song was recorded after six takes.

Hansraj Bahl gave Asha a chance to sing a chorus "Sawan Aaya Re" with Zohrabai and Geeta Dutt in the Hindi movie “Chunaria”(1948). He taught Asha the nuances of different ragas and antaras, which helped Asha improve her singing ability. The following year, he recorded two of Asha's solo songs 'Hai Mauj Mein' and 'Hamare Dil Par' for the film "Raat Ki Rani" (1949). At that time, leading playback singers monopolized the 'heroine songs', while Asha got the rest of the work in second-rate films. Her melodious renditions of 'Dharti Se Door' and 'Dard Bhari Kise Ki Yaad' in "Sangdil" (1952) gave her recognition. As a result, film directors like Bimal Roy and Raj Kapoor gave her opportunities to sing in films like "Parineeta" and "Boot Polish".

Asha Bhosle first met O.P. Nayyar on the music recording of "Chham Chhama Chham" (1952). O.P. Nayyar was so impressed with her talent that he gave Asha a chance to sing ten out of the twelve songs in this film. He made great use of Asha's bass voice and brought a razmata to her singing that made her move away from Lata's style of singing. After the film "Mangu" (1954), O.P. gave her a big break in the film "C.I.D." (1956). Asha got a big success, which established her real identity as a singer.

Asha Bhosle could be a character from any of Jane Austen's novels, with sibling rivalry as its backdrop. Asha, accustomed to live in the shadow, battling insecurities, had always suffered from Lata phobia. Her mentor, O.P. Nayyar, had to convince her for months that she had an individual voice that was essential to her own style.

The grey clouds parted from her life with the chartbuster film "Naya Daur" (1957). Songs like 'Maang Ke Saath Tumhara', 'Saathi Haath Badhana' and 'Uden Jab Jab Zulfen Teri', under the musical direction of O.P. Nayyar, took Asha to the pinnacle of playback singing. The film "Naya Daur" was a beautiful turning point in Asha's life, she now got the opportunity to give playback to all the leading ladies.

After 1959, Asha became emotionally and professionally attached to O.P. Nayyar. She remained the main donna in O.P. Nayyar's music room till mid-1972. Asha Bhosle was now the only female singer in O.P. Nayyar's repertoire. She sang sweet songs in many hit films like Phagun, Naya Daur, Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Howrah Bridge, Ek Musafir Ek Haseena, Kashmir Ki Kali etc. Famous songs of this duo are: 'Aiye Meharbaan' (Howrah Bridge, 1958); 'Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfo Ka Andhera' (Mere Sanam, 1965); 'Jab Jab Uden Zulfen Teri' Naya Daur (1957); Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957), 'Main Pyar Ka Rahi Hoon' (Ek Musafir Ek Haseena-1962), 'Deewana Hua Badal' and 'Ishaaro Ishaaro Mein' (Kashmir Ki Kali-1964), and many more are enchanting milestones. The tunes of "Dil Aur Mohabbat" and "Qismat" reflect the same intoxicating charm that is visible. Once the charismatic O.P. Nayyar started fading from the film music scene, Asha separated herself from him by saying 'Chain Se Humko Kabhi Jeene Na Diya'. And this composition from the film "Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye" (1972) became the epitome of their swan song.

A singer who sought new and fresh pastures, Asha made Rahul Dev Burman her musical partner beyond O.P. Nayyar. Asha and Rahul had known each other since 1957, when Sachin Dev Burman had given Rahul the responsibility of rehearsing Asha for the songs of the film 'Nau Do Gyara'. S.D. Burman had recorded the song 'Ab Ke Baras' (Bandini) from Asha after retaking it about seven times to get the real feel. He composed some wonderful tunes for Asha in films like Kala Paani, Kala Bazaar, Insan Jag Utha, Lajwanti, Sujata, Teen Deviyan and Jewel Thief.

Asha became a pop crooner with the film "Teesri Manzil" (1967) with music direction by R.D. Burman and this also led to her unforgettable relationship with the tune-smith Pancham. When she first heard the tune of the song 'Aaja Aaja Main Hoon' (Teesri Manzil-1966), she was afraid to sing Western dance numbers. After 10 days of rehearsal, when she sang the song, the result was amazing and R. D. Burman gave her a Rs 100 note.

Asha's uniqueness in "Teesri Manzil" captivated not only the younger generation but also the so-called elders. The film Teesri Manzil's 'Aaja Aaja' and other songs 'O Haseena Zulfon Wali'; 'O Mere Sona Re', all created a sensation with the presence of Asha Bhosle and Rafi. The film's lead actor Shammi Kapoor once said, "If Mohammed Rafi had not sung these songs for me, I would have used Asha Bhosle as a playback singer."

R. D. Burman often composed special melodies to explore her range and potential. From "Teesri Manzil" to “Shaan” and finally "Izzazaat", she explored many innovative genres. She had to scale a different eighth note after each line in 'Daiya Ye Main Kahaan Aa Phasi' (Carvaan). The 'ritzy mode' that he had devised for her became so popular, so typecast that her wide range went unnoticed by a composing crowd. As Pancham performed wonders with her vocals, a mix of musicians helped enrich Asha's thematic thesaurus.

Pancham- Asha's youthful western songs like the rousing cabaret 'Pya Tu Ab To Aaja' (Carvaan), the rebellious 'Dum Maro Dum' (Hare Rama Hare Krishna), the sexy 'Duniya Mein Logon' (Apna Desh), the romantic 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne' (Yadon Ki Baaraat) etc. took Bollywood by storm. In the 1980s, he also composed subtle songs like 'Mera Kuch Saman' and 'Katra Katra' (Ijazat-1987).

The way she played with the lyrics, her signature exclamation marks, became more significant. Rahul Dev Burman used her voice to create a charismatic effect by using her voice for witty replies and some dialogues. Like Aaja Aaja Main Hoon (Teesari Manzil), Sun Sun Kasam Se (Kala Sona), Sapna Mera Tut Gaya (Khel Khel Mein), Ghar Jayegi Tar Jayegi (Khushboo), Jawan Jaaneman (Namak Halal), Sun Sun Didi (Khubsurat), Jaane Jaan Dhundhata Phir Raha (Jawaani Deewani), are handful of examples of how Asha's musical soul perfectly understood the wondrous magic of R.D.

Two other major milestones were when she sang ghazals in “Umrao Jaan” for Khayyam, and combined her vocals with techno-wiz Rahman to deliver the knock-out ‘Tanha Tanha’ for “Rangila”. In the Rekha-starrer film “Umrao Jaan” (1981), Asha Bhosle sang heart-warming ghazals like ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’, ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke’ and ‘Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston’. The composer of these ghazals was Khayyam. Asha herself was amazed at how successfully she sang these ghazals. These ghazals won her first National Award and proved her versatility.

The 62-year-old Asha surprised her fans by singing superhit songs like 'Tanha Tanha' and 'Rangila Re' for young actress Urmila Matondkar in the film Rangeela (1995) under the music direction of A.R. Rahman. Later, she sang many more songs under the direction of A.R. Rahman. Asha also added colour to her universal tunes like "Takshak" and "Lagaan".

Although Bhosle was always the second choice for most music directors, except perhaps O.P. Nayyar for whom Lata Mangeshkar was not existing. No wonder she has always been judged by Victorian standards, mocked for singing 'non-serious' cabaret songs. In her early career, Asha was a compulsion, not a choice, for the composers. Asha has worked with all the famous music directors like Hansraj Bahl, O.P. Nair, Khayyam, S.D. Burman, Naushad, Madan Mohan, Shankar-Jaikishan, Ravi, Hemant Kumar, N. Dutta, Kalyanji Anandji, Usha Khanna, Chitragupta, Roshan, Salil Chaudhary, R.D. Burman, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Kalyanji Anandji, Anu Malik, Jatin Lalit, Bappi Lahiri, A.R. Rahman and Iliaraja.

Asha sang a melodious lullaby 'Chanda Mama Door Ke' for composer Ravi's first film 'Vachan' (1955). Asha sang a total of 385 songs under Ravi's musical direction. Asha also sang the song 'Mere Man Ke Aangan Chand Chamka' for Khayyam’s first film Biwi (1950). S. Madan made his debut with 'Yeh Raat Yeh Fizayen' (Batwara). Jaidev gave Asha a chance to sing in films like Hum Dono, Mujhe Jeene Do, Do Boond Paani and others. Shankar Jaikishan worked with Asha relatively sparingly. However, the team composed many hit film tunes, including the captivating 'Parde Main Rahne Do' (Shikar, 1968). Madan Mohan recorded many songs in Asha's voice, including the popular folk song 'Jhumka Gira Re' (Mera Saya).

Music composer Anu Malik and Asha recorded several hit songs, including 'Filhal...' (Filhal) and Kitabein Bahut Si (Baazigar). A.R. Rahman is credited with Asha Bhosle's comeback with Rangeela (1994). Songs like 'Tanha Tanha' had won the hearts of the audience. Illayaraja, the eminent music composer of South Indian films, started using Asha Bhosle's songs in the early 1980s. However, the 'teaming threesome' of O.P. Nayyar, S.D. Burman and R.D. Burman opened new levels by creating completely different music for a unique Asha decade after decade.

Asha Bhosle's contribution to Punjabi cinema:

Asha Bhosle has made a significant contribution to Punjabi cinema by singing 232 songs for 98 Punjabi films. Hansraj Bahl recorded Asha's first Punjabi film song 'Kadi Bhull Chuk Ke Biba' (Lachhi-1949). The following year, Vinod recorded four songs in her melodious voice for "Mutiar" (1950). All these songs became very popular and Asha Bhosle was flooded with offers from Punjabi music directors. Ustad Allah Rakha Qureshi got Asha to sing several hit songs in the films Madari (1950) and Phumman (1951). Asha Bhosle rose to fame by singing six songs in Posti (1951) under the music direction of Sardul Kwatra. 

Pandit Hem Raj gave her a chance in Vaisakhi (1951) while in Lara Lappa (1953) she sang two songs for Dhani Ram. Asha sang five songs out of a total of seven in Shah Ji (1954) for the music duo Husnlal-Bhagatram. In 1957, S.D. Batish asked Asha Bhosle to give playback in the Filmistan productions 'Hulare' and 'Muklawa'. Asha sang two songs in Heer Syal (1960) and five popular numbers including the chart buster 'Asan Chan Nu Gawah Kita' in Billo (1961). 

She sang five songs in Jija Ji (1961), which was the first film of the musical duo Sapna-Jagmohan. Asha ended the year 1961 by singing four beautiful songs in Walayat Paas, 'Challe Mera Gofia', 'Ni Meriyan Jhanjaran' etc. In 1962, Asha Bhosle had two super musical hits "Chaudhary Karnail Singh" and "Pardesi Dhola". She sang one solo each in Banto (1962) and Chhadiyan Di Doli (1963). In Lado Rani (1963), Asha sang five songs out of a total of six songs.

In Pind Di Kurdi (1963), she sang the most popular number of the film 'Haal Pariya Hai Ni'. The following year Asha Bhosle's six films 'Geet Baharan De', 'Jagga', 'Kiklee', 'Main Jatti Punjab Di', 'Sat Saliyan' and 'Sutlej De Kande' were a bumper crop. Some of the hit songs from these films were: Ek Paase Taahli, Tera Kajla, Kothe Te Aavin, Main Jatti Aa Punjab Di, Inha Akhan Nu Ghund Vich and Sun Mere Mahi etc. In 1965, Asha's hit songs were featured in four films 'Dharti Veeran Di', 'Sapni', 'Sassi Punnu'. 

In the Golden Jubilee hit devotional movie 'Nanak Nam Jahaj Hai' (1969), Asha recited the Gurbani verses 'Mere Sahib Tu Main Man Nimani', 'Re Man Aeso Kar Sanyasa', 'Prabh Ju Kahi Laj Hamari' in the true spiritual Raagi Rababi tradition. She also recited Gurbani in films like Nanak Dukhiya Sab Sansar, Dukh Bhanjan Tera Naam, Man Jeete Jag Jeet and Mitr Pyare Nu. Her other famous films were: Kankan De Ohale, Jeeto, Papi Tare Anek, Do Sher, Sherni, Morni, Teri Meri Ek Jindri, Udikaan, Premi Gangaram, Mahi Munda, Santo Banto, Sat Sri Akal, Dhyanu Bhagat, Nachdi Jawani, Sassi Punnu and Shaheed-e-Mohabbat Boota Singh etc. .

Asha Bhosle redefined what a female playback voice could be, sensual, playful, rebellious and unabashedly expressive. Whether in Helen’s electrifying performances or Zeenat Aman’s bold screen presence, her singing became a medium of liberation. To the terrifying depths of ghazals, Ashatai navigated genres with astonishing ease.

Many of his so-called naughty songs not only reveal his impudence but also a deep skill in terms of melody and timing. Howrah Bridge's 'Aye Meherbaan', Mere Sanam's 'Yeh Reshmi Zulfon', Jewel Thief's 'Raat Akeli Hai', Hare Rama Hare Krishna's 'Dum Maro Dum', Kaaliya's 'Sanam Tum Jahan', The Great Gamblers' 'Tum Kitne Din Baad Mile' and Company's Khallas, the diversity of his energy over the years, is astonishing to say the least.

Asha always added an element of surprise and excitement to her singing: Hal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka (Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi), Achcha Ji Main Haari (Kaala Pani), Khullam Khulla Pyar (Khel Khel Mein), Aap Yahaan Aaye Kis Liye (Kal Aaj Aur Kal) and Main Tum Ko Kya Kahun (The Great Gambler) etc. Asha Bhosle had the ability to embody whichever actress she played as a playback singer. When Dimple Kapadia had sexy yawns on screen in the song ‘Jaane Do Na’, the singer’s flawless drawing sets it off.

Asha reinvented herself in the mainstream pop music genre. In 1995, Asha participated in the ‘Gatha Bandan’ festival with Hindustani classical music maestro Ali Akbar Khan to learn classical music. Later, she recorded eleven 'Bandishans' for Legacy in California, a personal album that won her a Grammy Award nomination. In 1996, she released her debut album 'Rahul & I'. Her next album 'Jaanam Samjha Karo' won an MTV Award in 1997.

She started writing her own songs with the album 'Aap Ki Asha'. She recorded a solo album titled 'Love Supreme' and 'You've Stolen My Heart' with the Kronos Quartet. Asha has sung ghazals for several albums like Meraj-e-Ghazal, Abshar-e-Ghazal and Kashish. As a musician, Asha Bhosle released a music video album of eight songs "Aap Ki Asha" in 2002. Asha's popularity is not limited to Indian shores; her international debut came much earlier with artists like Boy George and Stephen Luscombe. In 2002, she worked with Michael Stipe on the track "The Way You Dream".

In October 2004, 'The Very Best of Asha Bhosle', an album of songs sung by Bollywood queen Asha Bhosle between 1966 and 2003, was released. In 2005, Asha sang in the Tamil film "Chandralekha" and the pop song 'Lucky Lips' which became a chartbuster. In 2005, she released a self-titled album 'Asha', which was a tribute to four ghazal maestros Mehdi Hassan, Ghulam Ali, Farida Khanum and Jagjit Singh. The melodies of Farida Khanum's ghazal 'Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo' and Ghulam Ali's 'Awargi' undergo several makeovers and emerge with a unique resonance.

Asha Bhosle has performed live concerts in various countries around the world. As she trilled and flirted, it was clear how young hearts were captivated by an 80-year-old singer. After singing for six decades, she got her first break as an actress in "Mai" directed by Mahesh Kodiyal. In this film, she played the central role of Padmini Kolhapuri's mother.

The singer's personal life was a far cry from the enthusiasm she displayed in her public persona or professional stream. Asha Bhosle's personal life was also fraught with difficulties. When she was sixteen, she eloped with Lata's secretary Ganapatrao Bhosle and got married against the wishes of her family. Soon her married life became a living hell. Ganapatrao tortured her, beat her, forced her to sing. Asha used to say, "If I had not married him, I would never have become Asha Bhosle."

She married R.D. Burman, much younger than her, in 1980. Asha Bhosle's two sons, Hemant and Anand, have worked in Bollywood while her daughter Varsha worked as a columnist. Her grandson, Chaitanya Bhosle, has also ventured into the music world.

Asha used to say, "Lata is my sister and my favourite singer. People would tell stories and try to create trouble, but blood is thicker than water. I remember, sometimes we both would be at an event and some industry people would ignore me and only chat with her, as if to prove their loyalty. Later, Didi and I would have a good laugh!"

Asha's fashion statement was white sarees with bright embroidery, a necklace of diamonds and pearls, more dazzling than Shakira's bustier collection. She could have been a fashion designer too. She was awarded the 'Most Stylish People in Music' award by MTV in 2005.

She always said, 'If it weren't for singing, she would have been a chef'. Asha was a successful restaurateur and ran restaurants in Dubai, Kuwait and Birmingham (UK). She proved that whether in music or in the kitchen, her vision was defined by a rare ability to blend tradition with personal spirit. For Asha, music and food were parallel arts; as she famously remarked, creating the perfect dish required the same instinct, balance and "soul" as singing the perfect song.

Asha set a world record of singing over 12,000 songs in over 950 Bollywood films during her eight-decade career. She has recorded songs for films and albums in eighteen languages including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, English, Russian, Nepali and Malayalam. She has sung 232 songs for 98 Punjabi films, the most after Hindi and Marathi films.

Asha Bhosle is considered an icon of Marathi music. She has sung many non-film songs in the genre commonly known as Bhava Geet. Her Marathi songs also reflect her wide range, ranging from Western melodies like Ruperi Valut to complex classical compositions like Tarun Ahe Ratra Ajuni. The Marathi bhajans sung by her are also very popular.

Asha Bhosle also sang wonderful songs celebrating the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Interestingly, she has also sung the Bhim Geet associated with the Ambedkarite movement. She has sung the song 'Buddh Namachi, Bhim Namachi' in her melodious voice and it is still very popular. The song is composed by Vinod Shinde and is a must-listen in Buddhist monasteries across the country on every Bhim Jayanti.

Asha Bhosle has been awarded almost every honour in the music world, including two Grammy nominations; Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in the field of cinema in 2000; in 2008 she was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second highest civilian honour by the Government of India. There are many other awards given by state governments. She has won two National Film Awards for Umrao Jaan and Ijaajat; eight Filmfare Best Playback Singer Awards and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized her as the most recorded artist in music history in 2011.

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April 2026 at the age of 92. Asha Bhosle, although physically separated from us, will always live in our memories through her sweet musical compositions. The generations to come will cherish the legacy of her songs.

 

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