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[Sharmila-Sweet]

Unforgettable Asha


Asha Bhosle’s returns to puja songs with her Bengali album Mone Rekho

By Sonashree Basu
Posted On Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 07:33:27 PM


Asha launches her new album

The golden voice of Asha Bhosle, that has rendered timeless classics, is set to rekindle the essence of Bengali pujor gaan after 15 years. The new album of Bengali modern songs Mone Rekho was released in the presence of the eternal songstress herself at The Park.

The gracious lady arrived wearing a subtle white and pink sari. In the midst of the razzmatazz, the singer tried to pacify the paparazzi in her broken Bengali by saying, “Amar kotha na shunle amii kintu ebar ragbo”. As she unveiled the album, she asked if she was looking good on the cover. “Yeh bees saal purani tasveer hai,” said the singer, revealing her sense of humour.

As to why it took her so long to come up with a Bengali album, the diva replied, “Pujas are special for Bengalis. Pancham and I did a lot of puja songs during the 70s and 80s but after his death, I lost interest in singing those songs. I heard many compositions but perhaps that chemistry between Pancham and me that created that magic was amiss. Nevertheless, I met this talented man Babul Bose and asked him to create something exclusive. I had also promised to sing for Mahua Lahiri who had started Asha Audio Company with my name 25 years ago. I thought I owed an album to her and thus the album.”


The diva with Usha and Babul

The album is a melange of eight tracks representing diverse moods. Lyricist Shaymal Sengupta who had assisted RD Burman has penned down the lyrics of the songs. The songs range from classical to semi classical like Hoyto aebhabei, Jete parini to kaache while Shey je amar kaalo is a folk song fused with contemporary music. There is a haat or market song Haat bosheche shukrobare and a devotional song O Ganga Ma. Churir chunn chunn is soothing track with a retro touch while Baje guruguru is a peppy number.

Lastly, there is a nostalgic song Din gulo bhola galo na, the video of which was shown to the audience reminiscing the presence of Pancham in Ashas’ life. “I was stunned when she told me she wanted to do Bengali songs. It’s a dream come true for me,” said composer Babul.
On audience request, Asha sang two lines of the famous song Jabo ki jabo na that received a generous round of applause.

Present at the launch were veteran singers Babul Supriyo, Usha Uthup, and Raghab Chatterjee. Usha Utthup pointed out, “Ashaji is an icon and evolving year after year. The jodi of Pancham Da and Asha Di is evergreen.”

“The album’s name is Mone Rekho but there’s no need to remember someone who is unforgettable. We Bengalis should be honoured to receive such a puja gift,” said Babul Supriyo.

From Sarat Chandra to the beauty of Sundarban Asha has a great fondness for Kolkata. She also seemed to have a weakness for Parshe Macher Jhol, Islish Maach Bhaja, Notun Gurrer Shondesh.

“I think Kolkatans are cultured and intellectuals like the Maharastrians,” reflected Asha.
About today’s music and films, she opined, “The simplicity and innocence is absent in today’s films. I don’t see any logic behind names like Kaminey.”

“I feel sad that people download music from Internet. So how will the new singers and audio companies survive? Therefore, I request people to stop piracy,” insisted Asha.

Voted as number 37 on the World Music List, the diva plans to do a Rabindra Sangeet album soon. Asha, who will complete 75 years on September 8, however, remained mum about working with sibling Lata Mangeshkar.

Photos: Goutam Karmakar

http://www.kolkatamirror.com/index.aspx?pa...60467961§xslt=

[Sharmila-Sweet]

Happy Birthday, Ashatai
View More PicturesAsha Bhosle's memorable melodiesAsha Bhosle's golden voice continues to mesmerise millions of people. She has sung over 13,000 songs and still spins magic.



Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, September 08, 2009
First Published: 12:40 IST(8/9/2009)
Last Updated: 11:33 IST(9/9/2009)

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From yesteryears' actresses Madhubala, Helen and Asha Parekh to the new-age heroines like Urmila Matondkar and Kareena Kapoor, are all bound by a common thread - the evergreen voice of Asha Bhosle, who turns 76 on Tuesday.

Considered one of the most versatile singers of all times, this Padma Vibhushan awardee has crooned more than 12,000 songs. On the occasion of the vivacious singer's birthday, IANS goes down memory lane to remember some of the her all-time hits.

Aaiye Meherban - The sensuous number picturised on then screen goddess Madhubala and Ashok Kumar in the 1958 film "Howrah Bridge" has the same magic effect today on listeners as it did five decades ago.

Jaaiye aap kahan - A beautiful and soulful romantic number picturised on veteran actress Asha Parekh and Biswajeet, the song from the film "Mere Sanam" (1965) is one of the best songs of Asha Bhosle. Her silken vocals instantly strike a chord with the listeners.

Raat Akeli Hai - When we hear this sensual naughty number, it sounds an easy one, but it was difficult to sing as Asha had to change the pace - from slow to fast while singing the song from the film "Jewel Thief" (1976). But she did a great job and it still finds place on music lovers' favourite list.

O mere Sona re - A playful romantic song from Teesri Manzil (1968) represents Asha's light-hearted, free flowing singing style. It was highly appreciated.

Piya tu - Asha always gave that extra zing to her voice while singing cabaret numbers, and Piya tu from the film Caravaan (1971) is one of the best among such songs. In fact, it was the catalyst in making Asha the queen of cabaret numbers. Her style of singing took the track to another pedestal.

Dum maro dum - A cult song, something very different from the usual songs created at that time. The versatile singer changes her usual voice for this gypsy track in Hare Krishna Hare Rama (1971). Free flowing yet powerful, it showed a completely diverse side of Asha.

Chura liya hai tumne - A romantic melody from the film Yaadon Ki Baraat (1973), the song has been a hit for decades. It still appeals to music lovers of all ages, making it an evergreen number. Asha's honey-tucked voice has done wonders for this composition, making it a hot favourite even after 36 years of its release.

Yeh mera dil - Pacy, hip with a strong musical backing, the song from Don (1978) is still regarded as one of the best songs of the film. It seems that no one could have done a better job than Asha. The song is energetic and full on punch.

Dil cheez kya hai - Apart from cbaret numbers and romantic songs, Asha also proved her mettle in singing ghazals. A classic, Dil cheez kya hai from Umrao Jaan (1981) is a ghazal that pulls at one's heart strings. The song marked a bit of a departure from Asha's fast-paced avatar. A classically influenced song, this one is one of the milestones in the singer's career.

Mera kuch samaan - A song that was ahead of its times, it pits Asha in a league apart from her contemporaries. Beautifully composed by R.D. Burman and penned by Gulzar, the lilting melody from the film Ijaazat (1987) proved Asha's versatility in the true sense. Soft music and complete focus on the vocals, made it one of Asha's best songs.

Yayi re yayi re - A 62-year-old Asha Bhosle sung this song in Rangeela (1995), which was picturised on Urmila Matondkar, who was only 21 years old that time. Her voice oozed freshness and punch even after so many years. Needless to say, the song was a big hit.