Asha Bhosle, a legendary Indian playback singer, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her career spans decades, filled with iconic songs and numerous awards. Let’s delve into her remarkable life and career.

Biography/Wiki

Asha was born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, British India. She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2023. Trained in classical music alongside her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, by their father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, Asha’s early life was deeply shaped by family and music. Her closeness to Lata was profound; Lata even accompanied Asha to school.

The family faced hardship after their father’s death when Asha was only nine. To support her family, she and Lata embarked on careers in acting and singing. A family friend, Master Vinayak, encouraged their move from Pune to Mumbai, a pivotal moment in their lives.

At just ten years old (1943), Asha made her singing debut in the Marathi film “Manjha Bal” with the song “Chala Chala Nav Bala”. At sixteen, she eloped with Ganpat Rao Bhosle, a 31-year-old.

Physical Appearance

Asha stands at approximately 5’2″ and weighs around 64 kg. She has striking black eyes and black hair.

Family, Caste & Husband

Asha hails from a Gomantak Marathi Brahmin family. Her father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, was a renowned stage actor and classical singer. Her mother, Shevanti Mangeshkar, was her father’s second wife.

Her brother, Hridayanath Mangeshkar, is a successful music director. Besides Lata Mangeshkar (her elder sister, also a playback singer), Asha has two other sisters: Usha Mangeshkar (a playback artist) and Meena Khadikar (a music director).

Her marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar’s personal secretary, at the age of sixteen, was against her family’s wishes and ultimately ended in separation. The couple had three children.

• Hemant Bhosle (a pilot and briefly a music director, deceased).
• Varsha Bhosle (a columnist, deceased).
• Anand Bhosle (manages Asha’s career).

There were rumors of a relationship with O.P. Nayyar. In 1980, Asha married R.D. Burman, a six-year younger man; their marriage lasted until his death in 1994.

Career

Asha’s Hindi film debut was in 1948 with the song “Saawan Aaya” from “Chunariya.” Her first Hindi solo song came in 1949’s “Raat Ki Raani.”

During the 1960s, she often sang songs initially rejected by leading playback singers of the time. Her breakthrough came in 1954 with “Nanhe Munne Bachche” from “Boot Polish,” alongside Mohammed Rafi.

The film C.I.D. (1956) marked a significant career milestone; she sang for the leading actress for the first time. Her collaboration with O.P. Nayyar yielded numerous hits, including “Aaiye Meherban,” “Isharon Isharon Mein,” and more. Their professional partnership ended in 1974.

Her collaboration with R.D. Burman from 1966 onwards produced countless iconic soundtracks. “Teesri Manzil” propelled her to greater fame, solidifying her position in the industry.

Asha also ventured into ghazals, earning a National Film Award for “Dil Cheez Kya Hai.” She even collaborated with her sister Lata Mangeshkar on several duets.

In 2013, Asha made her acting debut in “Mai,” receiving critical acclaim for her performance.

Controversy

A public disagreement with singer Himesh Reshammiya arose after Reshammiya’s critical comments about R.D. Burman’s singing style.

Awards & Honours

Asha’s accolades include multiple Filmfare Best Female Playback Awards and National Film Awards. She’s also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Lata Mangeshkar Award, among many others.

Net Worth

In 2016, Asha Bhosle’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Favourite Things

• Hobby: Cooking
• Diet: Non-vegetarian, enjoys fish and chips
• Favorite Actress: Madhubala
• Favorite Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Shirley Bassey, and Frank Sinatra

Facts

• Owns Audi A8 and Audi Q7 cars.
• Known as the “Queen of Indipop.”
• Has stated that if not a singer, she would have been a cook.
• Owns restaurants in Kuwait, Dubai, and Manchester.

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