When I hear Asha Bhosle, I see Sangeet ki Maharani in my mind. I remember when I was a six year old, in my village, only two-three people had transistor radios. So, I would listen to music from a distance. Her voice had so much power that it used to pull me towards it. It remains etched in my heart and mind. At the age of 22, I came to Mumbai. I can still recall my first recording with her. It was Chawl Mein Maal Leke Aaya Hai from Gehra Zakhm (1981). The song had Ashaji, Mohammad Rafi, Anand Kumar C, and me. RD Burman had composed the music.

Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh in a still from ‘Lagaan’. Pic/Youtube

Then I recorded many regional songs with Ashaji. I would never believe that the Asha Bhosle was singing with me. And later, my son, Aditya, sang his first song with her, the title track of Rangeela (1995)! Ashaji wasn’t only gifted, but also did a lot of tapasya. She worked hard. She worked like a lioness, tirelessly. She was also such a jovial person. She would laugh, play and joke around. She was very spirited, in her work as well as in her personal life.

She could sing any kind of song, be it classical, ghazal, devotional, comedic or romantic. I have such fond memories of recording with her. But Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan (2001) is the most special. That song will never fade. She was history of Indian cinema and music fraternity. Aisa lagta hai aaj ek itihaas chala gaya.

(L-R) Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. Pic/Instagram

Did you know?

Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle sang over 80 songs throughout their career, including ‘Main Chali Main Chali’ from ‘Padosan’ (1968), ‘Chaap Tilak Sab Chhini’ from ‘Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki’ (1978), and many more

As told to Priyanka Sharma