Asha Bhosle: The Queen of Indipop who transcended boundaries

Indian legendary singer Asha Bhosle, dubbed as ‘The Queen of Indipop’, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved playback singers. The name is synonymous with melodies and timeless classics. Her voice has not only graced generations of music lovers but has also transcended boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide.
 

While her illustrious career and incredible talent are well-documented, there exist some lesser-known facets of her life that add depth to her already legendary status. As ‘The Queen of Indipop’ turns 90 years old on September 6 this year, here we bring some interesting and lesser-known facets of her life.

Early life and family

Asha Bhosle was born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, India. Her birth name was Asha Mangeshkar, and she was the third child of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, a renowned Marathi classical singer and theatre actor. Interestingly, Asha's elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, also grew up to become a legendary playback singer.

The Lata-Asha ‘split’

Despite her exceptional talent, Asha Bhosle initially faced challenges in carving her own niche, primarily because of comparisons with her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, who was already an established playback singer. Asha's determination and resilience led her to experiment with her singing style, eventually paving the way for her distinct identity. Her ability to master various musical genres and languages set her apart, and she became a sought-after playback singer in the 1950s.

Versatile pan-India playback singer

One of the lesser-known facts about Asha Bhosle is her remarkable linguistic versatility. While she predominantly sings in Hindi, she has also lent her voice to songs in several Indian regional languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Odia. Her ability to adapt her voice to various languages and dialects was nothing short of exceptional, making her a true pan-Indian playback singer.

International collaborations

Asha Bhosle's talent was not confined to the country alone. She collaborated with several international artists, which expanded her global recognition. One of her notable collaborations was with the legendary British band, The Beatles. She sang the song "O Sole Mio" alongside RD Burman, which was featured in the film "Take One." Her association with world-renowned musician and composer Quincy Jones for his album "Back on the Block" further showcased her global appeal.

Breaking new grounds

Asha Bhosle was a trailblazer in more ways than one. In 1966, she became the first Indian playback singer to be nominated for the prestigious Grammy Awards for her collaboration with Quincy Jones. While she didn't win the award, her nomination marked a significant moment in the history of Indian music on the global stage.

Awards and accolades

Throughout her illustrious career, Asha Bhosle has received numerous awards and accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. She has also been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Memorable songs by ‘The Queen of Indipop’

Asha Bhosle has sung thousands of songs in various languages over her illustrious career. The list of some of her popular and iconic tracks include: O Mere Sona Re Sona Re (Teesri Manzil, 1966), Raat Akeli Hai (Jewel Thief, 1967), Parde Mein Rehne Do (Shikar, 1968), Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971), Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971), Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973), Yeh Mera Dil (Don, 1978), Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan, 1981), and Tanha Tanha (Rangeela, 1995).

Asha Bhosle's journey from being overshadowed by her elder sister to becoming an iconic and versatile playback singer is an inspiring tale of determination, talent, and resilience. While her unparalleled contribution to Indian music is widely acknowledged, Asha Bhosle's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and music enthusiasts worldwide, making her an eternal songbird whose melodies will forever resonate in our hearts.