Music legend Asha Bhosle, who recently celebrated her 91st birthday, has shared an intriguing story about her involvement in the iconic 1981 film Umrao Jaan. The film, directed by Muzaffar Ali and featuring Rekha in the lead role, became famous for its beautiful soundtrack. Asha Bhosle, known for her versatile singing, ended up performing all the songs in the movie, including hits like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai,” “In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke,” and “Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston.” However, Bhosle reveals that she was originally meant to sing just one song.
Asha Bhosle Recounted How Her Journey with Umrao Jaan began
In an interview with Doordarshan, Asha Bhosle recounted how her journey with Umrao Jaan began. The producers initially intended for her to contribute just one track. However, after she read the 1905 Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada, which inspired the film, she felt a deep connection with the character and the story. “I read it and became Umrao Jaan,” she explained. Her immersion in the role led to her performing on the entire soundtrack, a decision that turned out to be incredibly successful as all the songs became hits. Bhosle describes this turn of events as a matter of destiny.
The Secret to Longevity
At 91, Asha Bhosle maintains a positive outlook on life. She credits her longevity and continued success to her inner happiness and faith. “I don’t do anything special to look young. What matters is being happy and positive from within,” she says. She believes that embracing new experiences and staying true to one’s passions are key to a fulfilling life. Her unwavering faith in God also plays a significant role in her outlook.
Crafting Her Unique Identity
Bhosle, who is often compared to her sister, the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, spoke about their similarities and differences. While they had somewhat similar voices, Bhosle always strived to establish her own identity in the music world. “I wanted to create my own name rather than imitate my sister,” she said. To achieve this, she explored various musical genres, including English and Punjabi songs, to diversify her style.
She noted that while Mangeshkar preferred to stick to her distinctive voice, Bhosle was open to experimenting with different styles, such as the staccato technique she used in “Eena Meena Deeka.” Her dedication to classical music and her willingness to innovate set her apart and influenced many artists who came after her.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Bhosle also shared her views on maintaining a separation between personal and professional life. She emphasized that the emotions from one’s personal life should not seep into their professional work. “As an artist, you need to adapt to the emotions required for each song,” she said. Both she and her sister managed to stay relevant in the industry for decades by focusing on their craft and evolving with the times.
Remembering RD Burman
Finally, Bhosle fondly recalled her late husband, the renowned music composer RD Burman, known as Pancham. She praised his ability to understand and bring out the best in artists. “Pancham was exceptional at capturing what was in an artist’s mind and translating it into music,” she said. Their collaboration resulted in numerous memorable songs, and Bhosle remains grateful for their creative partnership.
Asha Bhosle’s reflections on her career, her philosophy of life, and her experiences in the music industry offer valuable insights into what has made her a beloved figure in Indian music.
