Asha Bhosle: The Glamorous Voice of Indian Music

Asha Bhosle's Glamorous Stage Presence

Asha Bhosle captivates audiences with her glamorous stage persona. Her performances are characterized by sparkling attire, often featuring intricately embroidered saris in soft pastel shades, complemented by stunning jewelry. A favorite accessory is her large, jeweled cuff that sways gracefully with her movements. She chooses her outfits based on the concert's location and the weather, expressing a preference for white saris paired with pearls over diamonds.

Reinventing Artistry

With meticulously drawn eyebrows and a vibrant bindi, Asha's subtle lip color enhances her stage presence. She believes that artists must continually evolve. 'Every time I perform, my hairstyle, bangles, and sari receive compliments. I pioneered the trend of wearing a coat over my sari,' she notes, a style still prevalent in today's fashion shows.

A Touch of Magic in Performances

Years ago, during a concert in London, she was humorously dubbed 'Madonna in a sari.' Asha also incorporates fun elements into her performances, inspired by a magic show she attended. 'I thought of adding tricks to my shows, like making handkerchiefs disappear or producing burned cigarettes. It's a sleight of hand I mastered!'

Life Beyond the Stage

At home, Asha often transforms into a typical housewife and grandmother, albeit a glamorous one, from any small Maharashtrian community. 'I take pride in my home. While singing, I am undisturbed, but afterward, I have to manage household tasks, like planning meals.' Her family and home often inspire her music.

Crafting Musical Expressions

A memorable moment in her career was recording 'Chhod do aanchal' for the film Paying Guest (1956). Struggling to convey the right emotion, she was advised by Sachin Dev Burman to visualize her husband tugging at her sari, which helped her deliver the perfect expression.

A Versatile Musical Talent

Her ability to adapt her voice to various characters has made her a musical chameleon. As noted by a contributor to the Rough Guide to World Music, her talent lies in her ability to 'change the color of her voice,' making her convincing in roles ranging from a young woman to a matronly figure.

Lifelong Learning and Adaptability

Asha's willingness to learn is evident in her journey from singing in Marathi to mastering Hindi and even Tamil. She learned English through books and tapes, and in her seventies, she began to learn the guitar. 'Determination knows no age,' she asserts.

Navigating the Music Industry

While establishing her place in the film industry, Asha faced discomfort with some risqué lyrics. 'I felt uneasy with inappropriate lyrics, but never with the melodies. A song is just a song; singing a courtesan's number doesn't define me,' she explains.

Enduring Legacy

Reflecting on her journey, Asha proudly states, 'Those who criticized me now appreciate my music.' Interestingly, many who enjoyed her songs in their youth are now sharing them with their children, and she continues to perform.

Embracing Change in Music

Asha acknowledges the evolution of music, particularly with the rise of remixes. 'While no one can stop remixes, I urge creators to respect the original work. Some remixes are enjoyable, but many videos can distort the song's essence. I recently saw a remix of 'Chhod do aanchal' where the girls wore pants and shirts, completely missing the traditional element!'

Conclusion

Excerpted with permission from Asha Bhosle – A Life in Music, Ramya Sarma, Manjul Publishing.