Asha Bhosle - Songs, Career, Biography, Age, Family

Table of Content

• Biography
• Age
• Family
• Husband
• Career
• Top 5 Songs Of Asha Bhosle 
• Asha Bhosle Best Song From Each Decade
• Awards
• 10 Interesting Facts About Asha Bhosle

Biography

Asha Bhosle is an Indian playback singer who is known for her remarkable contributions to the Bollywood film industry. Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, India, she comes from a musical family. Her father, Dinanath Mangeshkar, was a well-known classical singer, and her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, is also a legendary playback singer.

Asha Bhosle's journey in the music industry began at a young age. She started singing at the age of nine and made her first playback singing debut in the Marathi film Majha Bal in 1943. However, her breakthrough came in 1948 when she sang the song Saawan Aaya for the film Chunariya. Her unique and versatile voice quickly gained recognition, and she went on to become one of the most prolific and celebrated singers in Indian cinema.

Asha Bhosle's career spans over seven decades, during which she has sung over 13,000 songs in various languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, and others. Her mesmerizing voice and ability to adapt to different musical styles and genres have made her an iconic figure in the Indian music industry.

Throughout her career, Asha Bhosle has collaborated with numerous renowned music composers and singers, creating unforgettable melodies. Some of her notable collaborations include working with composer R.D. Burman, with whom she created numerous hit songs. Their partnership resulted in several chart-topping tracks that continue to be popular today.

Asha Bhosle's versatility as a singer is evident in her ability to effortlessly transition between various musical genres, such as classical, ghazals, qawwalis, pop, and disco. She has won several prestigious awards for her exceptional contributions to Indian music, including the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.

Apart from her playback singing career, Asha Bhosle has also released numerous solo albums and performed in concerts around the world. Her distinctive voice and stage presence continue to captivate audiences of all generations.

Asha Bhosle's impact on Indian music is immeasurable, and she remains an inspiration for aspiring singers. Her melodious voice, remarkable range, and dedication to her craft have solidified her status as a living legend in the realm of Indian music.

Age

Asha Bhosle was born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, India. As of today's date, June 14, 2023, she is 89 years old. Her zodiac sign is Virgo. Asha Bhosle is a renowned Indian playback singer known for her versatile and melodious voice.

Family

Asha Bhosle comes from a musical family. Her father, Dinanath Mangeshkar, was a well-known classical singer, and her mother, Shevanti Mangeshkar, was also a theater actress. She has three siblings: Lata Mangeshkar, who is a legendary playback singer, Meena Khadikar, and Usha Mangeshkar, both of whom are also accomplished playback singers.

Asha Bhosle has been married two times. Her first marriage was to Ganpatrao Bhosle, but it ended in divorce. She then married Rahul Dev Burman, a renowned music composer, with whom she had a successful professional collaboration. 

Asha Bhosle has three children. Her eldest son, Hemant Bhosle, followed in his parents' footsteps and pursued a career in music. Her second son, Anand Bhosle, is involved in the restaurant business. Her daughter, Varsha Bhosle, was a writer and singer, but unfortunately, she passed away in 2012.

The Bhosle family has made significant contributions to the Indian music industry, with Asha Bhosle's remarkable talent and the support of her talented siblings and children.

Husband

Asha Bhosle has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Ganpatrao Bhosle. However, their marriage ended in divorce. Her second marriage was to Rahul Dev Burman, a renowned music composer, with whom she had a successful professional collaboration. 

Career

Geeta Dutt, Shamshad Begum, and Lata Mangeshkar were the leading female playback singers in the early 1960s. Asha sang for wicked girls, vamps and low-budget films. She sung more Hindi film playback songs than others in the 1950s. Most were in low-budget B- or C-grade films. Most of her early songs by A. R. Qureshi, Sajjad Hussain, and Ghulam Mohammed flopped. She was well-received in Sajjad Hussain's 1952 Sangdil. Thus, Bimal Roy allowed her to sing in Parineeta (1953). In Boot Polish (1954), she sang Nanhe Munne Bachche with Mohammed Rafi.

C.I.D. (1956) gave Asha a chance. In 1957, B. R. Chopra's Naya Daur made her famous. Her Sahir Ludhianvi-penned duets with Rafi, Maang Ke Saath Tumhara, Saathi Haath Badhana, and Uden Jab Jab Zulfein Teri, garnered her fame. She sung all the film's leading actress's songs for the first time. Chopra cast her in Gumrah (1963), Waqt (1965), Hamraaz (1967), Aadmi Aur Insaan (1966), and Dhund (1973). Nayyar's future work with Bhosle also succeeded. She became famous and was supported by Sachin Dev Burman and Ravi. Bhosle and Nayyar split professionally and personally in the 1970s.

Bhosle's duets from R.D. Burman's first soundtrack, Teesri Manzil, were well-received in 1966. Aaja Aaja was her first westernised dance number, and she thought she couldn't sing it. Burman challenged her to change the music, but she declined. After ten days of rehearsals, Aaja Aaja and other Rafi duets like O Haseena Zulfonwali and O Mere Sona Re were successful. The film's star, Shammi Kapoor, said, If I did not have Mohammad Rafi to sing for me, I would have got Asha Bhosle to do the job. Bhosle and Burman had many hits and married. She voiced Hind film actress and dancer Helen in O Haseena Zulfon Wali in the 1960s and 1970s. Helen attended her recording sessions to grasp the music and create dance steps. Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan) and Yeh Mera Dil (Don) are more hits.

By the 1980s, Bhosle was sometimes labelled a cabaret singer and pop crooner despite her talent and range. She sang Dil Cheez Kya Hai, In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke, Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston, and Justuju Jiski Thi for Umrao Jaan, starring Rekha, in 1981. Khayyam, the film's music director, dropped her pitch half a note. Bhosle was surprised she could sing differently. She received her first National Film Award for the ghazals. Mera Kuchh Saamaan from Ijaazat (1987) won her another National Award a few years later.

Bhosle, 62, sung for Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela in 1995. Her songs Tanha Tanha and Rangeela Re were composed by A. R. Rahman, who would later record more songs with her. Radha Kaise Na Jale from Lagaan (2001), Kambakht Ishq from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya (2001), Yeh Lamha from Filhaal (2002), and Lucky Lips from Lucky (2005) were Bhosle's 2000s charttoppers. The Very Best of Asha Bhosle, The Queen of Bollywood, a compilation of Bhosle's 1966–2003 Hindi language film and album tracks, was published in October 2004.

She judged Sur Kshetra 2012.At 79, Bhosle starred in Mai. Bhosle played a 65-year-old Alzheimer's patient abandoned by her children. Critics lauded her acting.

Asha Bhosle Official debuted on YouTube in May 2020.

Top 5 Songs Of Asha Bhosle

Dum Maro Dum 

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This iconic song from the film Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) became a sensational hit and remains one of Asha Bhosle's most memorable tracks. Composed by R.D. Burman and written by Anand Bakshi, the song has a groovy and psychedelic vibe, perfectly capturing the essence of the era. Asha Bhosle's energetic and captivating vocals combined with the catchy beats make Dum Maro Dum a timeless classic.

Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko 

 Featured in the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), this romantic melody became an instant favorite among music lovers. Composed by R.D. Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, the song showcases Asha Bhosle's versatility and ability to convey emotions through her voice. Her soulful rendition, along with the melodious composition and memorable lyrics, makes Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko a timeless gem.

Piya Tu Ab To Aaja 

Another popular song composed by R.D. Burman, Piya Tu Ab To Aaja featured in the film Caravan (1971). This seductive and sensuous track became a chartbuster and established Asha Bhosle as the queen of seductive melodies. With its captivating beats, enchanting vocals, and Helen's mesmerizing dance, the song remains an iconic and unforgettable part of Indian film music.

Mera Kuchh Saaman 

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 From the film Ijaazat (1987), this melancholic song beautifully portrays the longing and nostalgia of lost love. Composed by R.D. Burman and penned by Gulzar, the song showcases Asha Bhosle's ability to emote with her voice. Her heartfelt rendition, combined with the poignant lyrics and soul-stirring music, makes Mera Kuchh Saaman a deeply emotional and haunting melody.

Yeh Mera Dil 

This sassy and upbeat song from the film Don (1978) became an instant hit and is still considered one of Asha Bhosle's most popular tracks. Composed by Kalyanji-Anandji and written by Indeevar, the song showcases Asha Bhosle's versatility in effortlessly transitioning between different moods. Her energetic and playful vocals, coupled with the catchy tune and Helen's iconic dance moves, make Yeh Mera Dil a timeless party anthem.

Asha Bhosle Best Song From Each Decade

Awards

• National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer (1982, 1987, 1994, 2001, 2002)
• Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer (multiple wins)
• Padma Vibhushan (2008)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000)
• IIFA Award for Best Female Playback Singer (multiple wins)
• Zee Cine Award for Best Playback Singer - Female (multiple wins)
• Screen Award for Best Female Playback Singer (multiple wins)
• Stardust Award for Best Female Playback Singer (multiple wins)
• MTV Asia Music Award for Favorite Artist India (2004)
• BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)

10 Interesting Facts About Asha Bhosle

• Guinness World Record Holder: Asha Bhosle holds the Guinness World Record for recording over 11,000 solo, duet, and chorus-backed songs in more than 20 Indian languages.
• Multilingual Talent: Besides Hindi, Asha Bhosle has lent her voice to songs in various regional languages, including Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Tamil, and many more.
• Versatility Personified: Known for her versatility, Asha Bhosle has sung songs of diverse genres, including romantic ballads, peppy numbers, cabaret songs, ghazals, bhajans, and even Qawwalis.
• Collaboration with R.D. Burman: Asha Bhosle and music composer R.D. Burman shared a successful and prolific collaboration. They worked together on numerous memorable songs that became chart-toppers and established both as musical legends.
• Film Production: Apart from her singing career, Asha Bhosle ventured into film production with her company, Asha Bhosle Productions. She produced films like Mai (2013), where she also made her acting debut.
• Recipient of Civilian Honors: Asha Bhosle has been honoured with the prestigious civilian award, Padma Vibhushan, by the Government of India, in recognition of her contributions to the field of music.
• International Recognition: Asha Bhosle's talent has garnered international recognition. She has collaborated with international artists like Boy George, Michael Stipe (REM), and Kronos Quartet, showcasing her global appeal.
• Philanthropic Efforts: Asha Bhosle has been actively involved in charitable work. She has supported various causes, including education for underprivileged children and the welfare of the visually impaired.
• Cookbook Author: In addition to her musical endeavors, Asha Bhosle is a published author. She has written several cookbooks, sharing her love for cooking and traditional Indian recipes.
• Ageless Spirit: Asha Bhosle continues to perform live concerts and remains enthusiastic about exploring new musical avenues, showcasing her passion and energy even in her later years.