ASHA BHOSLE WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR EVER

One is EXTREMELY SHOCKED to learn about demise of another remarkable legend of Hindi film industry.

Asha Bhosle was more distinguished and versatile singer vis a vis Lata Didi.

If Lata was unquestioned reigning queen of the singing industry for a very long period, Asha Jee could certainly be considered her number two, when both would be together, if not compete with each other.

When their Father died (Asha Jee was barely nine years old), burden of, or shall we call, responsibility of running the large family fell on the feeble shoulders of Lata Jee, the eldest of the lot. She would struggle through hustle and bustle of Bombay local trains to earn little bit of money, that came her way.

How many of us know that Lata Mangeshkar began as a small time actor in Marathi films but kept doing RIAZ at their home alongwith sisters Asha, Usha, Meena and one brother ?

Born on 8/9/1933, Asha Ganpatrao Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai with complains of chest congestion. She was shifted to I.C.U. a few hours prior to breathing her last.Ultimately, she succumbed to multi organ failure. She was 92.

Her second husband Rahul Dev Burman had expired on June 4,1994, say 32 years ago. Their on stage chemistry and resultant performances would leave an indelible mark, all over the world. While she was compelled to come out of her first wedlock due to her confirmed abusive husband, first marriage of R.D.Burman with Rita Patel, too lasted barely five years, from 1966 to 1971.

She sang for the versatile genius R.D. Burman for the first time for the block buster Teesri Manjil. Rest is history. A life long relationship or bond evolved. It was based on mutual respect and unparalleled passion for the world of song and music.

With the departure of Asha Tai, another golden era has come to an abrupt end.

If she was unquestioned Queen of erstwhile Cabret genre, she was equally at home with normal lyrics and not so easy devotional numbers. Altogether she sang with command, over 12,000 songs in 20 languages during an liiustrious career. Sadly in her large family only Zanai Bhosale, one of the grand daughters, has been able to make little bit of mark as a singer.

Here was Mangeshkar family, brimming with music, positive feelings and above all, dedicated to devotional numbers. They were true protectors and preservers of traditional Indian songs and music traditions. Same was reflected very much through the way they would drape a Sari.

We will miss her very much when we hear her following unforgettable Superhit numbers :

• Dum Maro Dum,

• Ure Jab Jab Zulfe Teri,

• O Mere Sona Re,

• Kajra Mohabbat Wale,

• Pia Ab Tu Aajaa, Pia Ab…….

• Aaiye Meherwan,

• Ein Ankhon Ki Masti Hai & other numbers from the film Umraon Jaan,

• Jara Ja Jhoom Loon Main,

• Radha Kaisey Naa Jaley,

• Sharara, Sharara………..

• Yeh Vaada Raha, La La La………

OM SHANTI

MAY HER PIOUS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim. Views are strictly personal)