Showing posts with label Asha Bhosle birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asha Bhosle birthday. Show all posts
I'm far from done. There's so much to learn, so little time, says Asha Bhosle on her 92nd birthday
9:23 AM
Asha Bhosle with a young A R Rahman
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; September 8, 2025)
Beginning her musical journey at the tender age of 10, Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle has built an illustrious career spanning over eight decades. A force to reckon with, she is celebrated for her immense talent, versatility, and, above all, her remarkable ability to adapt and evolve with the times. A Guinness World Record holder for being the most recorded artist in music history, Asha Bhosle's enduring legacy is not just rooted in her distinct voice or range—but in the indomitable spirit that continues to define her and her longevity. As she turns 92, she opens her heart, reminiscing about a legendary journey and the timeless landmarks along the way in a heartfelt exclusive with Bombay Times.
'Quite contrary to my public image, I am reclusive'
I am 92-years-old and I take this opportunity to thank all my well-wishers who have supported me in my long journey. Had it not been for your love, I wouldn’t have made it this far. Every time I hear your applause, it pushes me to go further and test uncharted territories in this vast ocean of music and art. Quite contrary to my public image, I am reclusive at heart. I am shy to discuss my achievements because I have so much more to learn in so little time.
'Cinema’s popularity brought an end to the golden era of theatre'
Prior to the advent of cinema (silent cinema then talkies), the only public entertainment platform was theatre. My wonderful actor, singer, composer and writer father, Master Dinanath Mangeshkar owned his own travelling theatre company. I, along with my four siblings (Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Khadikar and Hridaynath Mangeshkar) travelled with the theatre company all over India where my father performed these grand musicals to a rapt audience. Therefore, I grew up in an atmosphere of music and the performing arts. It was great that Dadasaheb Phalke laid the foundation of cinema in India but as cinema rose to prominence over the years, our theatre company sadly folded. Soon after, my father passed away in 1942 at the height of The Quit India Movement.
'Looking back: How my journey began'
In 1943, World War II was raging in Europe and that’s when I recorded my first Marathi song at the age of 10. Around this time the Battle for Stalingrad in Russia was in full swing. My first record label read ‘British India’. World War Two era was one of rationing and hardships and we often slept on empty stomachs. I remember attending a political rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai where I first saw Mahatma Gandhi and I was very impressed by his speech and other leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel and Abdul Ghaffar Khan. The partition of India in 1947 was a painful experience for many Indians, but we managed to live through that as well.
‘Sometimes I recorded as many as seven songs a day’
When I moved to Mumbai, (then Bombay), the British had left it in pristine shape. It was a grand city, and I was in awe of it. I loved travelling on trams, trains and buses hopping from one studio to the next. Working in the emerging music industry (termed Bollywood today) was full of new experiences. As people heard me sing, more work came my way. Sometimes I recorded as many as 7 songs a day. Years later, I was informed that I had got a mention in the Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist (around 11,000 songs). Honestly, I did not work to break any records.
‘My husband Rahul Dev Burman was the finest musical genius of our times’
Music evolves every decade or so. According to me, the first music composer who brought a new exciting western sound to Hindi cinema was C Ramchandra. He experimented with Rock and Roll and took a leaf out from Bill Haley and Elvis Presley’s style of music. Suddenly, that was a rage, and I adapted to this western style to keep up with the times. Then came OP Nayyar with his rustic Punjab folk music sound which went through the roof. I adapted to this style as well and remained relevant. Post O P Nayyar, came the finest musical genius of our times; my late husband Rahul Dev Burman (a prince by birth from the royal family of Tripura, but an Emperor by his deeds). RDB’s revolutionary style of compositions, sound, technique are admired even today. R D Burman passed away in 1994 and a year later in 1995, another musical genius A R Rahman unleashed a fresh new brilliant sound on an unsuspecting audience through Rangeela. When I sang Rangeela Re and Tanha Tanha Yahan Pe Jeena for him, I was 62 years old! I thank ARR for bringing the best out of an elderly person.
'Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari, Bichhde Sabhi Bari Bari'
I take this opportunity to remember the wonderful singers that I have worked with…my older sister Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar, Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi, Shri Kishore Kumar, Shri Manna Dey, Shri Mukesh, Shri Hemant Kumar, Smt Geeta Dutt, Smt Shamshad Begum and the list goes on. I shared a great rapport with them, not only as colleagues but also as close friends. I recall one common factor between all these great artists - they were all simple human beings without a nasty bone in their system. Unfortunately, most of my close friends and colleagues have passed away and I mourn their loss, a void that can never be filled. On this note, I recall Rafi Saab’s famous song; composed by the late Sachin Dev Burman and penned by the late Kaifi Azmi Sahab…Dekhi Zamane Ki Yaari, Bichhde Sabhi Bari Bari…!
'I am not done yet'
Since my name is Asha (hope), I would like to conclude by saying, I am not done yet. On 12th Sep ‘25, a song sung by me with a very popular British Band shall be launched. I am happy to say that whenever musical boundaries were being broken, I remained the common thread for experimentation by all these great composers of extraordinary calibre. I’m proud to see the growth of my granddaughter Zanai, who is a music composer, writer, singer, classical dancer and an actor. As Mr. AR Rahman recently remarked; that my family (Mangeshkar / Bhosle / Burman) has done nothing but music for 4 generations. He went on to add that this family knows nothing other than music. I take that as a compliment.
Asha Bhosle turns 90 years; says "I don’t feel I am a day older than 40"
8:26 AM
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; September 8, 2023)
She is all set to turn 90 today and will also be clocking in 80 years as a professional singer this year. It’s hard to sum up Asha Bhosle’s glorious singing career in a few lines, and her zest for life and music is palpable even today. An afternoon with her is interspersed with her humming songs, right from the Natya Sangeet-based Marathi track Yuvati Mana and the evergreen Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar to the upbeat Yayi Re Yayi Re from Rangeela– which gives just a small glimpse of her vast repertoire.
In a chat with Bombay Times, the legend talks about why she consciously chose to be a versatile singer, her outlook towards remixes and why age is just a number for her. Excerpts:
Today, you will be performing to a full house, which is a rather unique way to spend your 90th birthday. Even now, what motivates you to be on your feet for such long hours during concerts?
I feel the person who keeps his age in mind becomes old. I still don’t feel that I am a day older than 40. It’s only when I see my children, grand kids, and great grandkids that I realise that so much time has gone by. Mala nahi vatat mi mhatari zhali aahe (I don’t think I have aged at all). I work, travel and cook at home. Even when I perform, I love interacting with the audience. I feel that they need to be entertained completely, so if time permits, I do magic tricks and even crack jokes.
There is a lot of talk about remixes these days, and one would assume that you wouldn’t be open to the idea of it, but instead, you seem to have a liberal approach towards remixes. You even featured in the music videos of some of your own remixes...
(Cuts in…) Bara kela na mi (laughs). (That was good, wasn’t it?) My son Anand would keep coming up with these thoughts, it was his idea. I felt like doing it back then, but not anymore. Now everything goes online. Yeh naya zamaana hai. Aaj agar mein aapko mera phone number bataaon toh aapko yaad nahi rahega, par pehle humein sabke numbers yaad the. Waise hi gaano ka hai. Mujhe woh (remixes) bure nahi lagte kyunki aisa hona hi hai, duniya badlegi. Hum jaane wale hai, humare baad nayi fasal toh aayehi, par fasal acchi aani chaiye. Unko soch na chahiye ke hum kahan se aaye hai aur kahan jaa rahe hain.
Lately, there’s also been lot of conversation around pay parity in the entertainment industry, including the music world. What are your thoughts on it?
Pay parity should have always been there, and there should be parity. But it doesn’t happen (smiles).
While songs have been a trademark of Bollywood films for generations, these days, we often see fewer songs in Hindi films. How do you think this will impact our cinema in the long run?
Have you heard Jhumka and Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar in the recent film (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani)? These are the ones people are listening to today. Yes, songs have reduced in our films. I am unable to understand whether the music isn’t good, the words aren’t good or whether they aren’t picturized well… Honestly, I don’t listen to them. There’s so much to listen, like Ghulam Ali, Bhimsen Joshi… You can get lost in their music for hours, so why get into this? (laughs!)
While most singers would envy the success and love you have enjoyed for so many decades, you have faced several setbacks in your personal life. Looking back, what gave you the strength to overcome those and continue with your musical journey?
Complete belief in yourself and your work. The knowledge that I sing well and in sur. I have the confidence that I can sing any song. I did have my share of troubles, but I worked extremely hard. And because I had immense confidence in my ability as a singer, the thought of feeling envious towards anyone else never arose or bothered me. I knew that I would definitely get the work that was meant for me. What’s in your destiny will come to you. The song in Taal – it was in my destiny. Around 13 female singers had recorded it before me, at the end, they called me. Subhash Ghai had narrated this story in front of 400 students and had said that he was the one who told them to get Asha to eventually sing it. I started recording the song at 8 pm, and I was done by midnight. It never bothered me whether 13 or 15 singers had sung it before me. I always knew that I had to do my work and do it well. Yahan tak paunchne ke liye, jo bhi taakat ek aurat mein hoti hai, woh sab meri zindagi mein lagi hui hai.
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Shweta Sunny (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 8, 2023)
She started singing as a 10-year-old. Eight decades later, music continues to be Asha Bhosle’s life. “Umar toh badhta hai lekin dil nahin badhta, dil wahi hai abhi. Gaana mera jeevan hai,” muses the singer, all set to ring in her 90th birthday with a three-hour concert in Dubai today. “I’ve always celebrated my birthday in the studio, recording. This time, my son Anand wanted to make it a grand celebration and so we are doing it with a Broadway-style concert,” Bhosle says.
She has captivated multiple generations, but her children and family still come first. “Before being a singer, I am a mother, and that has been my biggest achievement,” says Bhosle, adding that she does have God and her fans to thank for her success.
“My achievements have been granted by God. Everything has been possible due to the support of my fans, who, for the last 80 years, have loved me, listened to my songs and loved my voice and style. They have loved me through my worst times; I have even become part of their family as they call me Asha tai and mai.”
Looking back on the long way she has come, the singer shares what helped her reach the stature that she has: “I have been inclined towards music since childhood. Gaana mere andar hi tha. But I never thought I would become a playback singer. The circumstances got me here. I started singing after I came to Mumbai in 1945-46. Even now, I wake up at 7 am to practise. I’ve had my share of ups and downs, but I’ve had to stay resilient to reach here. The immense strength of being a woman got me here. Also, if you’re careful of what you say, it will take you places.”
Asha Bhosle turns 88; says "I want to resume live shows"
8:00 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 8, 2021)
Every year, veteran singer Asha Bhosle opts for a quiet family time over big celebrations for her birthday, and that’s exactly the plan for her 88th birthday, today. “I haven’t celebrated my birthday for many years. Birthday is not a special day for me. Hum toh buddhe hote hai us din. It is something that kids celebrate,” confesses Bhosle, adding, “I celebrated my birthday once when I turned 75. We invited every singer I’ve worked and share a close bond with. Uske baad, I asked my family to refrain from parties. This year, I will be in Lonavala with my daughter-in-law and grand-daughter.”
Walking down the memory lane, Bhosle shares, “Earlier, I would spend my birthday in the studio. I remember many people from the industry, including Shankar–Jaikishan and R D Burman, would keep a recording on my birthday, phir sab milkar dhol, tashe, tabla bajate the.”
The singer, to this date, spends her days doing riyaaz. “When it comes to the professional sphere, I want to just sing songs that are good,” she shares.
Ask her if the thought of retirement has crossed her mind, and the singer says no. “Because of the Coronavirus crisis, many of my shows got cancelled. I’m just waiting for things to get normal, so that I can resume my live shows,” admits Bhosle.
We have a family get-together on everyone’s birthday-Asha Bhosle
7:58 AM
Asha Bhosle had to bring in her 87th b’day in Lonavala, away from her siblings, because of the pandemic
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 9, 2020)
Asha Bhosle took off to her Lonavala bungalow on March 16 to spend a week with her grandchildren, who were to graduate soon. Little did she know then, that six months later, she would be ringing in her 87th birthday in the same house. “Corona ne sabko karun kar diya hai (Coronavirus has made everyone despondent),” the songstress observes in her melodious voice. She has every reason to blame the rogue virus that has kept her away from celebrating her special day with her family. “We have a family get-together on everyone’s birthdays but this time no one can travel so we have to make do with phone calls. I called Lata didi in the morning to seek her blessings and she told me she was posting a picture of us on the social media,” relays Asha ji, recalling that in her childhood, birthdays were a simple affair. “Mother would dress me in new clothes, make me sit on a stool, and do an aarti before feeding me something sweet made at home.”
It’s her milestone birthdays —50th, 60th, and 75th that Asha ji remembers the most. “The 60th was a surprise party. After a day of media interactions, I was exhausted when my brother Nandu and sister Varsha started arguing about where we should head for dinner. I was exasperated and told them to decide quickly. They settled on Khyber. On reaching the restaurant, they led me up the stairs to a dark room. Suddenly, the lights went on and my family and musician friends screamed ‘Happy Birthday.’ Didi gifted me a shawl,” she shares, adding that after her 75th birthday, she said ‘no’ to lavish celebrations.
But to ensure that her lockdown birthday is a memorable one, her grandchildren went out of the way to source her favourite goodies. “Since the past few days, Zanai had been asking me what kind of food I like and which cake is my favourite. A day before my birthday, she had Japanese dishes—it’s the only cuisine I like apart from Indian—and a fresh fruit cream cake carted here all the way from Mumbai, along with a huge bouquet of flowers. It amazes me what this girl can do!” she gushes.
Her voice filled with pride, the two times National Award winning singer continues, “She is a good singer and dancer and looks pretty too; I don’t know what she wants to do. But then, I didn’t know that I’d become a singer either; so I’m sure Zanai will figure it out on her own too.”
For now, the Dadasaheb Phalke awardee is busy with her talent hunt, Asha Ki Asha, for which she received over 3000 entries. “It’s incredible how much talent there is in this country. After the lockdown is over, I want to do something for all the really talented ones, not just the winner,” she shares.
In the last few months, the singer has also spent considerable time in the kitchen devising recipes for her restaurant. “Everyone makes biryanis, but I grind my own spices. I’m going to introduce fish, prawn, chicken and vegetarian biryani in the menu soon. Also, I’ve made a few dishes from the recipes collected over the years, like the one from a vendor in Haridwar and plan to serve them too,” she signs off.
I have entered my 88th year, but I genuinely think I am just 40-Asha Bhosle
7:57 AM
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.’
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