Remembering Asha Bhosale (कुछ लोकप्रिय, कुछ कम सुने हुए गाने)

 

Namaskaar. Today marks three weeks since the passing of the legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle. On this occasion, here is a tribute to her आशा-स्वर through some of the beautiful songs she left behind.

To say “she came, she saw, she conquered” about Asha Taai would be quite bold, because her life and journey as a singer were far from easy—something we’ve learned from her many interviews.

All five Mangeshkar siblings lived/are living very simple lives. A modest Saree, minimal jewellery, a prominent Kumkum Tilak on the forehead (these days many girls feel shy about wearing it!), perhaps a handkerchief in one hand—that’s all. No showiness, no affectation, no artificial gestures to impress musicians.

But the moment they start singing, their greatness became evident, leaving us spellbound. They proved time and again that true music reaches the audience without theatrics or exaggeration.

From the age of ten—starting in 1943—until nearly 2024, Asha Taai sustained an uninterrupted musical journey spanning an astonishing 81 years. The exact number of songs she recorded is unknown. But listening to her and Lata Mangeshkar feels like a divine blessing fulfilled. We are all truly fortunate.

Let’s now listen to 12 of her wonderful songs—6 from films and 6 non-film. Selecting them was extremely difficult, but these are relatively lesser-heard pieces, often from live performances rather than overplayed popular hits. Do read till the end and watch all the songs. It will perhaps make your day today.

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1) “Aali Ri Mere Naina Baan Padi” (Non-film, 1971) - Lyricist Sant Meerabai - Compose Jaidev

This beautiful composition by Mirabai has been recorded separately by both Asha and Lata. The version sung by Lata was composed by Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar. You can listen here to the rendition that Lata recorded in the Doordarshan studio - Lata's version.

Personally, no matter how great a devotee I am of Lataji, I like Asha Taai’s rendition much more. Jaidev has created a simple yet beautiful composition, with an exquisite use of the Santoor and Flute. In “Aali Ri Mere Naina,” the delicate improvisations that Asha Taai takes on words like “ri,” “mere,” and “naina” at different points—and the way she returns to the main note—are simply magical. Likewise, the varied nuances she brings to the last three words of each verse are absolutely superb.

2) “Chain Se Humko Kabhi” – Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye - Lyricist S. H. Bihari - Composer - O. P. Nayyar

Just as the pairs of Lata–C. Ramchandra, Lata–Madan Mohan, Rafi–Naushad, and Kishore Kumar–S. D. Burman are famous, the duo of Asha Bhosle and O. P. Nayyar is equally well known. Asha Taai has probably sung the maximum number of songs for O. P. Nayyar.

This song is completely different from O. P.’s usual style—it is calm and subdued. It was recorded by Asha Taai in the Mumbai Doordarshan studio. Since it is a song of deep emotion and pain, she sang it sitting in one place, fully immersed in its feeling. Do listen.

3) “Tumul Kolahal Kalah Mein” (Non-film, 1971) - Lyricist Jaishankar Prasad - Composer Jaidev

The song I am about to present now is from the collection “Main Bairagan Ho Gayi,” recorded by Jaidev in 1971. All the songs in this collection are exceptional, but this one stands at the very top among them.

This is one of the finest compositions from the epic “Kamayani,” written in 1936 by the poet Jaishankar Prasad. Lovers of the Hindi language will especially appreciate this piece, as it is written in 100% pure Hindi.

The song represents the inner conflict and dialogue between the human mind, heart, and intellect. Its key features are the tune that perfectly complements the words and Asha Taai’s deeply emotive, soul-stirring rendition.

4) “In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke” – Umrao Jaan - Lyricist Shahrayar - Composer Khayyam

This is one of Asha Taai’s most celebrated songs from the 1980s. With its beautiful composition, outstanding singing, and Rekha’s appearance and performance on screen, it would have been surprising if this song hadn’t become so popular!

However, the version being presented today is not from the film, but a recording done by Asha Taai in the BBC studio in 1984. It has a charm of its own. Even while performing in a BBC studio, Asha Taai wore traditional Indian attire without any hesitation—something worth noting.

What more can I say about the song? You should simply listen to it.

5) “Salona Sa Sajan Hai Aur Main Hoon” (Non-film, 1983) - Lyricist Shavi Abbas - Composer Ghulam Ali

Now, I present a ghazal. The Pakistani singer and composer Ghulam Ali is renowned for his ghazal singing. He released a collection of ghazals titled “Miraaj-e-Ghazal” in collaboration with Asha Taai, and this is one of the most popular pieces from that collection.

This ghazal is an excellent example of how effortlessly Asha Taai has absorbed and adapted to Ghulam Ali’s distinctive musical style. The recording is from the Doordarshan archives. At the beginning, there is about a minute and a half of commentary by the legendary composer Naushad.

The song prominently features instruments such as the Sitar, Violin, Sarangi, and Tabla.

6) “Jivlaga Kadhi Re Yeshil Tu” – Suvasini - Lyricist G. D. Madgulkar - Composer Sudhir Phadke

Now I present a Marathi song—very famous and still loved by people today! During the 1950s and 60s, when Lataji was extremely busy in Hindi cinema, Asha Taai did an enormous amount of work in Marathi. According to a list I have, between 1951 and 1996—a span of 45 years—she sang 238 Marathi songs (including films and others). This list is certainly incomplete.

A special feature of this song is that the composer Sudhir Phadke (Babooji) has used four different Raaga across its four verses, and each verse concludes by returning to Raaga Yaman. This recording is from the Doordarshan Sahyadri studio. Just look at how cramped the musicians are seated (not that it should always be like this), yet they fall short nowhere in the performance. Once again, it shows that when one is focused on their work, everything else becomes secondary.

After this recording, Babuji reportedly remarked, “Even after 30 years, Asha’s voice remains just as fresh and vibrant,” as Asha Taai herself mentioned in an interview. It is truly a remarkable achievement by both the composer and the singer. Let’s listen.

7) “Aage Aage Topaiko Gola” (Non-film, 1976) - Lyricist, Composer and Co-Singer Danny Denzongpa

Now I present a very fun Nepali song. This song became hugely popular on Nepali television. Many contestants have also tried to sing it on shows like The Voice of Nepal and Nepal Idol.

What’s truly surprising is that this song was written and composed by the well-known Hindi film villain Danny Denzongpa! The tune is lively and engaging. Danny’s dance, his cheerful and energetic body language, and Asha Taai’s beautiful rendition all add to its charm.

Especially noteworthy is the alaap taken before the second verse—it is simply wonderful. And that spontaneous laughter in the middle of the song—so natural and innocent—absolutely delightful! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the song too.

8) “Saathi Re Bhool Na Jaana Mera Pyar” – Kotwal Saab - Lyricist and Composer Ravindra Jain

Ravindra Jain composed music for many films during the 1970s and 1980s. Several of his songs became very popular. This particular song is considered one of the best of his career.

The story behind its recording is often told like this: due to some reason, Asha Taai was unable to attend any rehearsal sessions, which made Ravindra Jain very upset. On the day of the recording, Asha Taai arrived at the studio, went straight to the microphone, and began singing. She delivered the entire song flawlessly, and it was finalized in a single take.

This was the strength and skill of Asha Taai.

The song appears in a scene involving a sincere police officer named Bharat Pratap Sinha (played by Shatrughan Sinha) and his wife Prabha (played by Aparna Sen). The song plays at a moment when Prabha is worried about what will happen if her husband learns about her past life.

9) “Shoora Mi Vandile” – Sangeet Manapman (Marathi Drama) - Lyricist Krushnaji Prabhakar Khadilkar - Composer Govindrao Tembe - Original Singer Master Deenanath Mangeshkar

This is a very famous Marathi natya-geet (theatrical song), originally sung by Master Deenanath. Later, it was performed by many singers. In particular, the version sung by Vasantrao Deshpande also became very popular.

Asha Taai likely sang many of her father’s stage compositions in the 1960s as a tribute to him, and this is one of them. This song reflects Asha Taai’s strong classical foundation, as well as her command over melodic movement, and her mastery of alaps and taans. It is an extremely pleasant and enjoyable piece to listen to.

What is being presented today is Asha Taai’s rendition of this song recorded for Doordarshan. Accompanying her on the harmonium is Dr. Vidyadhar Oak.

While watching her perform this song, her body language and expressions are so expressive that for a moment it feels as if Lataji herself is singing.

10) “Chhota Sa Balma Ankhiyan Neend Le Gayo” – Ragini (1958) - Lyricist Qamar Jalalabadi - Composer O. P. Nayyar

Among the songs that O. P. Nayyar composed based on classical ragas, this is one of the most remarkable pieces. Interestingly, this song is based on the famous Marathi natya-geet “Sukhatatichi Jagti Ya,” originally sung by Master Deenanath Mangeshkar, yet it carries O. P. Nayyar’s distinct musical touch.

Even more fascinating is the fact that Asha Taai herself had sung this very natya-geet earlier for the 1952 Marathi film “Dudh Bhaat.” You can listen to Asha Taai’s version of “Sukhatatichi Jagti Ya” here. Unfortunately, the film version is not available on YouTube, so only the audio recording can be shared.

This composition is based on Raag Tilang in the Khamaj thaat, which is another special feature of the song, as most of O. P. Nayyar’s compositions are based on Raag Pilu.

The pain of a lover longing for her beloved has been so effectively conveyed—through O. P. Nayyar’s composition and Asha Taai’s singing—that it deeply reaches the listener. The subtle improvisations Asha Taai brings, especially on words like “aaye” in phrases such as “chhota sa” and “ratiyan neend na aaye,” are simply outstanding.

Let us listen.

11) “Phir Se Aaiyo Badra Bidesi” – Namkeen (1982) - Lyricist Gulzar - Composer R. D. Burman

The trio of Gulzar, R. D. Burman, and Asha Bhosle has given us many extraordinary and unforgettable songs. This is one such relatively lesser-heard but highly refined composition among them, picturized on Shabana Azmi.

Since the film is set in a hilly region with characters rooted in that landscape, R. D. Burman has composed the tune accordingly, reflecting that atmosphere.

This video also includes Gulzar’s special narration, in which he beautifully explains the story of the film as well as the background behind the creation of the song.

So, without adding anything further, you should directly listen to the song. It consists of only two short verses, but because of the narration and the conversations among the three, it becomes more engaging and extended—yet never boring. You will likely experience the same.

12) “Geet Kitne Ga Chuki Hoon Is Sukhi Jag Ke Liye” (Non-film, 1952) - Lyricist Pt. Bharat Vyas - Composer Nikhil Ghosh

I feel this song is, in a sense, Asha Taai’s own autobiography—especially from the early phase of her career.

It was not at all easy for her to build a singing career while facing life’s struggles and simultaneously carving out a distinct identity for herself. And for someone who brought immense joy to millions through her singing, how much time would she have actually had for herself?

Perhaps her heart must have said, “Today, let me cry for a moment for myself.”

If we keep this background in mind, we can truly understand the importance this song holds in Asha Taai’s life.

If there is anything particularly special in the composition, it is Asha Taai’s voice itself—young and tender, yet already showing a mature depth in expressing the pain of life.

Let us listen.

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These 11 solo songs and 1 duet showcase Asha Taai ’s extraordinary range. As long as the sun and moon exist, the voices of Lata and Asha will continue to shine in the musical sky, inspiring generations.

A humble tribute to Asha Taai . 🌹🙏