Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; September 9, 2020)

The legendary singer, Asha Bhosle, turned 87 years young yesterday. In a candid chat with us from her Lonavala bungalow, she talks about why she doesn’t like big celebrations, her only wish, comparisons with elder sister Lata Mangeshkar and much more. Excerpts…

A lot of people have mixed feelings about their birthdays. Do you like celebrating yours?
Having lots of people come over, elaborate lunches… I don’t like that anymore. Just some close relatives and family is fine. Saying ‘Happy Birthday’ to little children is fun, they have a life ahead of them. I have lived mine. Step by step, I am on my way up. Aata ‘Happy Birthday’ kasla? (Laughs!). My granddaughter Zanai warned me not to enter the kitchen on my birthday. She ordered two cakes and Japanese food all the way from Mumbai to Lonavala. She arranged everything.

If you were to be granted a wish on your birthday, what would that be?
I want all my fans to pray for me so that I never lose my voice till I am alive. My voice is the reason for my being, I will live as long as it lives. My late daughter Varsha Bhosle used to tell me about Hindustani classical singer Gangubai Hangal, who sang till she was over 90 years old and passed away while she was singing. Varsha told me, ‘If you continue your riyaaz, you, too, can do it.’ I will never forget her words and I will continue my riyaaz till I am alive.

You performed live for hours at Shanmukhananda Hall in Mumbai in February this year. For someone in their 80s, that is no mean feat. What keeps you going?
Well, I don’t consider myself as smart or learned, but if I decide to do something, I will do it. I never fear failure or wonder if I can do something. I am extremely positive. There are days when I don’t feel well, but the moment I step onto the stage, all of that is forgotten. I have entered my 88th year, but I genuinely think I am just 40!

Lata didi or Asha tai, who is your favourite singer? This question never ceases to exist despite the fact that you both are among the finest artistes in the world. What do you make of this comparison?
Gulzar ji once wrote, ‘Two people landed on the moon in 1969 for the first time. The one who stepped on the moon first (Neil Armstrong) became famous while the other (Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin) wasn’t equally celebrated because he came second. Your sister came into this world first, so she is who she is. You came into this world after her, so you will always be compared to her.’