Overview
Asha Bhosle, a name synonymous with versatility and dynamism in Indian music, has had a career spanning over six decades. Starting in the 1940s, she faced initial struggles, often singing for B-grade films and overshadowed by her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar. However, Asha’s unique vocal texture and willingness to experiment with different styles soon set her apart. She became known for her ability to infuse emotion into every song, whether it was a cabaret number, a romantic ballad, a ghazal or a folk tune. This versatility made her a favorite of many music directors, and she collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, most notably O.P. Nayyar and R.D. Burman.
Asha’s career truly took off in the late 1950s and continued to soar through the following decades. She became the voice for numerous iconic Bollywood actresses, and her songs became an integral part of Indian cinema. Her collaborations with R.D. Burman produced some of the most memorable and innovative music in Hindi film history. Beyond film music, Asha has also explored various genres, including pop, ghazals and Indian classical music, showcasing her remarkable range and adaptability. With thousands of songs recorded in multiple languages, Asha Bhosle has cemented her place as one of the most influential and respected singers in the history of Indian music.
Field of contribution: Playback singing
Years when active: 1949-2003
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Memorable movies
Aadmi Aur Insaan, Baharen Phir Bhi Ayengi, Caravan, Dil Deke Dekho, Ek Musafir Ek Hasina, Howrah Bridge, Hum Kisise Kam Nahin, Humsaya, Jawani Diwani, Kaajal, Kashmir Ki Kali, Khel Khel Mein, Mere Sanam, Nau Do Gyarah, Naya Daur, Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon, Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, Satte Pe Satta, Sawan Ki Ghata, Teesri Manzil, The Great Gambler, Tumsa Nahin Dekha, Umrao Jaan, Waqt, Yaadon Ki Baraat, Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi
Awards & recognition
Filmfare Awards
1966: Garibon ki Suno (Dus Lakh)
1968: Parde Mein Rehne Do (Shikar)
1971: Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan) [Note: awarded in 1972]
1971: Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) [Note: awarded in 1973]
1973: Hone Lagi Hai Raat Jawaan (Naina)
1974: Chain Se Humko Kabhi (Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye)
1978: Yeh Mera Dil (Don)
Special Filmfare Awards
1995: Tanha Tanha (Rangeela)
2001: Lifetime Achievement Award
National Film Awards
1981: Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan)
1987: Mera Kuch Saamaan (Ijaazat)
Government of India Honors
2000: Dadasaheb Phalke Award
2008: Padma Vibhushan
Frequent collaborators
Music Directors: O.P. Nayyar, R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman
Co-singers: Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar
Did you know?
Asha Bhosle is the younger sister of playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. They both began singing and acting in films to support their family.
Asha married Ganpatrao Bhosle at the age of 16, against the wishes of her family. The marriage did not end well, and after a few years she returned to the Mangeshkar home with her two children and pregnant with a third child.
Asha’s first big hit was a duet with Rafi: ‘Nanhe Munhe Bachche’ in Raj Kapoor’s Boot Polish.
Asha married R.D. Burman in 1980. They were married for 14 years until R.D. died in 1994.
Asha made her debut as an actress in the film Mai (2013) at the age of 79. She played the role of an elderly parent who is afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2011, Asha was acknowledged officially by the Guinness Book of World Records as the singer with the most studio recordings in music history. She has reportedly recorded up to 11,000 solo, duet and chorus-backed songs in over 20 Indian languages since 1947.
Additional Information
Asha’s biographies include the following:
Asha Bhosle: A Musical Biography, by Raju Bharatan (2016).
Swarswamini Asha, by various contributors (2024).