Vijay Singh Jamwal
btcjammu@gmail.com
Asha Bhosle was born on 8th Sept. 1933 in Sangli (Maharashtra). Her father Pt. Dina Nath Mangeskar and her mother Shevanti have four daughters- Lata Mangeskar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeskar, Meena and son- Hridya Nath Mangeskar. Lata Mangeskar, Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeskar were renowned classical singers and the fourth daughter Meena and son Hridya Nath Mangeskar are music composers. Pt. Dina Nath Mangeskar was also a classical singer. Due to financial constraints, he could not give the formal education to his kids but he gave them classical education.
In 1949, Asha married to Ganpat Rao Bhosle, who was fifteen years old to her. In 1980, Asha married second time with with her collaborator and composer R.D. Berman, who was much younger to her. R.D. Berman died in 1994. She sang her first song at the age of 10 in Marathi film ‘Majha Bal’. In 1948, at the age of fifteen, she sang first song in Hindi film ‘Chunariya’, ‘Savan aya……’. Asha Bhosle came to prominence in B.R. Chopra’s movie ‘Naya Dhor’ (1958):-
* mang ke sath tumhara maine….
* Ude jab jab julfe teri….
Then another movie of B.R. Chopra ‘Waqt’ in 1965 , she became much sought after and a highly paid singer.
* Chahare pe khushi aa jati hai, ankhon main saroor aa jata hai…..
* Din hai bahar ke tere mere iqrar ke dil ke sahare aaja pyar karain…
* Aage bhi jaane na tu, piche bhi jaane na tu, jo bhi hai bas yahi ek pal hai….. This song of movie ‘Waqt’ written by Sahir Ludhanvi and sung by Asha Bhosle is one of my favourite songs.
In late 1950, she collaborated with O.P. Nayar who was master of the rhythm, taal, and Punjabi folk music. He was the only music director who never gave a chance to Lata Mangeskar. His first choice was Asha Bhosle.
* Ye hai raishmi julfon ka andhra chale aayei….
* Jayeye aap kahan jayenge ye nazar…
‘Mere sanam’ in 1965
* Nigahon Nigahon main dil lene wale bata ye hunar…
‘Kashmir ki Kali in 1964
* Koi keh de keh de jamane se keh de…..
‘Baharain fir bhi ayengi’ in 1966
* ‘Dil ye mahka re mahka…..’ sung by Asha and Lata in film ‘Utsav’ in 1984.
* Chod do anchal jaman kya kahega…. film ‘Paying Guest’ in 1957.
* Ye kisti bala kya ga raha hai… film ‘The Great Gambler’ in 1979.
* Dil chiz kya hai aap meri jaan lijiye…. film ‘Umrao Jan’ released in 1981.
* Paan Khaye Saiyan Hamaro… film ‘Teesri Kasam’ in 1966.
* Jumka Gira re bareli ke bazaar main…. film ‘Mera Saya’ in 1966.
* Zara hole hole chalo…. film ‘Saavan ki gata’ in 1966.
* Kali Gata Chhaye Mora Jiya Tarsaye…. film ‘Sujata’ in 1959.
* Nane Mune Bache teri muthi main kya hai…. film ‘Boot Polish’ in 1954.
* Dadi Ama Dadi Ama maan jayo…. ‘Gharana’ in 1961.
* Janu Janu re kahe khanke hai tera kangna… film ‘Insan Jag Utha’ in 1959, sung by Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt.
During 1960-1970, she lent her voice to Halen in Cabaret Dance, ‘Piya tu ab to aja’ film ‘Carvan’. She was honoured by ‘Dada Sahib Phalke award’ in 2000 and honoured with second highest award ‘Padam Vibhushan’ in 2008. In 2021, Maharashtra Govt. honoured her with ‘Sarvopriya Nagrik Award’.
She passed away on 12th of April, 2026 at Mumbai in Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 92. She was given the state funeral at Shivaji Park and the pyre was lit by his only surviving son Anand Bhosle. Asha Bhosle entertained 8-generations with her melodious voice to millions of music lovers all over the globe.
Our sweetest songs are those which are sad. ….. John Milton
Follow our WhatsApp channel
