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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]

http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/sl...le/20110607.htm

Asha Bhosle: My greatest fear is having no work
Last updated on: June 7, 2011 17:01 IST
Preeti Arora in Mumbai

Boman Irani shifted gears at 44, handing over the reins of his wafer business to his wife in order to begin an acting career. Aditya Raj Kapoor (son of Shammi Kapoor) faced the camera for the first time when he was in his 50s.

And now, at 77, Asha Bhosle, the fabulously popular singer, makes her acting debut with Maaee. It isn't a cameo or a miniscule guest appearance. She is the protagonist.

In an interview with Preeti Arora, Asha speaks about her decision to choose a path most veterans wouldn't contemplate even in their dreams.

Tell us something about the film Maaee.

No, absolutely not. If I tell you the story, my producer will get angry with me and you won't watch the film. See it in the theatre and decide for yourself.

All right then, tell us about your role.

Well, I am not playing a vamp or a sexy siren. No love scenes were written for me. I am a mother and a grandmother. That's what I am in real life too. It's an avatar I'm comfortable with. My role on-screen is merely an extension of my off-screen persona. It's simple



You have been shooting continuously for the last three weeks in the sweltering Mumbai heat. Even the big 'stars' are complaining of exhaustion. But you show no signs of fatigue.

Oh, well (smiles impishly), I guess age is on my side. On a more serious note, I have worked very hard all my life. I have brought up my kids single-handedly. So a strenuous routine is something I thrive on, not shy away from.

How did this film come about?

Most of the people I work with become family friends. The co-producer of this film, Nitin Shankar, took my son Anand Bhosle into confidence. They broached the topic with me. I said I would think about it. I asked my daughter Varsha and she felt it was a great idea. I thought didi (Lata Mangeshkar) wouldn't be too encouraging, but here also I got the green signal. I asked my younger sister who also pushed me saying if anybody could do it, it was me. Not one person felt I couldn't do it. So here I am.

What if one person from your inner circle had dissuaded you?

I would have opted out. I was looking for an escape route, which unfortunately did not open up.


Tell us about your co-actors.

Each one is a star in his, or her, own right. Ram Kapoor is a formidable actor. But there are no ego hassles. Padmini Kolhapure is a close relative, so I have always been very comfortable with her. I guess I am lucky.

Since you talked about love scenes, would you consider that too?

I'm not saying yes, but then I am not saying no either. I never imagined I would be acting at my age. Maybe some other things which I haven't visualised might just happen.

Are you close to your kids?

Very! I consult them before taking any decision. My younger son Anand, because of whom I am doing this film, is also my business manager. He keeps track of the royalties and the collaborations with foreign artistes. And I must say he's doing a great job.

Any scene which made you uncomfortable?

Just one. They needed me to get wet in the rain. Since I started singing professionally I never drink anything cold neither do I have a bath with cold water. And now, suddenly, here I was after six decades doing a little jig in the rain! Despite the initial discomfort, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Felt I was six years old again.


You're playing a grandmother in the film. Does it get tiring being with kids all day?

It would if you are not used to being with kids all the time. But my grandkids, both on-screen and off-screen, are a source of joy to me. I can spend hours with them. My granddaughter (Anand's daughter) is also doing a song for this film. Three generations are involved in this film but in different ways.

You're always in the news. Why do the media chase you when so many younger artistes/singers are desperate for publicity?

You have just answered your own question. The younger lot wants publicity, I crave work. Work should fetch you fame not the other way around. The work ethic is what didi and I imbibed at a very early age. The younger lot needs to do the same.

We hear that you are working with Chandra Barot again. Your earlier song with him, Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Diwana, is still a chartbuster. What can we expect this time?

I have always believed Chandra Barot is a very talented director. But in our industry two things are essential for success -- luck and hard work. Unfortunately, he hasn't had much work in the last few years. Chandra Barot lives across the road from my house. His sister Kamal Barot is a good friend of mine. We have been friends for the last four decades and will remain so. I am doing the songs. Now let's hope for the best.

What's your worst fear?

Having no work. Or not being surrounded by people. Put me in the most luxurious hotel in the world alone and ask me to rest for a few days and I will fall ill.

What if you are nominated for best actress or best debut?

I'd love it, but won't think about it right now. Not getting it would just lead to disappointment. I've had a rough life and its best not too plan too far in advance.

You get along with almost everybody. Is that your true self or a carefully cultivated persona?

No, I hate friction. I believe life is too short for ego hassles. Yet, I am a child at heart. Anger me in any way and I won't keep quiet. I will get it off my chest and sleep peacefully through the night. But the person at the receiving end will probably not get any sleep that night.