Born Sept.8,1933, Asha Bhosle, who turns 90 today, has been an icon of Indian film music as a playback singer.
She has rendered her versatile voice to hundreds of films for over seven decades. Credit goes to music directors O.P. Nayyar and Khayyam, who saw the uniqueness in her voice with classical tones and lively style.
Out of the most popular numbers in Naya Daur composed by O.P. Nayyar, Asha excelled (with Mohd. Rafi) in Mang Ke Saath Tumhara, Ude Jab Jab Zulfein Teri and Saathi Haath Badhana – all massive hits, and an equally successful duet with Shamshad Begum – Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jaali Ka.
One of Hindi films’ most creative music directors, S.D. Burman, who recognized Asha’s versatile voice. He composed the popular songs like Ankhon Mein Kya Ji (Nau do gyarya or 9 + 2 =11), Chhod Do Aachal Zamana Kya Kahega (Paying Guset), and Kaali Ghata Chhaye (Sujata).
Asha Bhosle’s talent blossomed with music director R.D. Burman, a creative and experimental music director who gave a contemporary touch to Hindi film music. It all started with Teesri Manzil. Some popular numbers were produced, like Mera Naam Hai Shabnam from Kati Patang.
Celebrating her 90th birthday, Asha-ji’s fans in India and all over the globe also celebrate 75 years of her career in the Indian film industry, singing over 7500 Hindi songs and many in other Indian languages.
My three favourite songs are: Jaaiye aap Kahan jayengeYeh nazar laut ke fir aayegi (Mere Sanam 1965, music O.P. Nayyar), and In aankhon ki masti ke (Umrao Jaan 1981, music Khayyam) and Burman’s composed and Shiledra’s penned Ab Ke Baras Bhejo Bhaiya Ko Babul for Bimal Roy’s Bandini.
Promod Puri.com 