Listening to Hindi film music is my passion. Lata Mangeshkar is the greatest legend the industry has produced, but sister Asha Bhosle is no less. Lataji has the stature of a Goddess, but Asha appeals to all and seems to be more down to earth compared to the lofty heights Lata reached.
I have always been a great fan of Asha Bhosle and have long wanted to write this review. Asha began her singing career when Lataji was the reigning queen of Bollywood. Initially, she only got to sing cabaret songs and songs picturised on B grade heroines. But, she grew from strength to strength and soon made her own unique place in the Hindi film music industry.
It is very difficult to select twenty of her songs. But I have tried to make an attempt. This is a list of my favourite songs. I don’t have the courage to rank these songs and have just listed them in chronological order. I have tried to cover various eras and various composers. Hope you like my selection (I have given the you tube video links for all the songs) :
Aaiyee Meherbaan Baithiye Jaaneja – This classic from Howrah Bridge (1958) has music by Asha’s first patron O P Nayyar. Asha’s voice seems so suited for Madhubala in this song, a true gem. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7Im2qY_p3yI
Bhanwara Bada Naadan Hai – This innocent sweet song is from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) and has music by Hemant Kumar. The innocence of the 60s is reflected in this song, Asha’s voice never sounded sweeter. https://youtube.com/watch?v=fwHsMOWLt5s
Jaiyen Aap Kahan Jayenge from the movie Mere Sanam (1965) is again an O P Nayyar special. This is one of the best Asha-OP songs in my opinion. https://youtube.com/watch?v=IB-mMSySzd0
Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu is a philosophical song from Waqt (1965) with music by Ravi. Great song and great singing. https://youtube.com/watch?v=tVKxS9qmn5E
Baag Mein Kali Khili is a lovely song from the movie Chand Aur Suraj (1965). Music composed by the magician Salil Chowdhury. Shailendra’s lyrics and Asha’s voice make an amazing combination https://youtube.com/watch?v=ofSmjIsOGB0
Jhumka Gira Re is an all-time Asha classic from the movie Mera Sayaa (1966). When composers would avoid using Asha’s voice for the heroine, Madan Mohan used her voice on Sadhana for this superhit song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=9__fHwQn2ik
Raat Akeli Hain is a sensous S D Burman composition from the classic Jewel Thief (1967). Asha’s amazing range can be seen in this song. Just listen to her effortlessly shift from the low to the high ranges. https://youtube.com/watch?v=J7lFQ2iOU4Y
Aao Huzoor Tumko is a drunken song from Kismat (1968) picturised on a lovely looking Babita. This is another Asha Bhosle-O P Nayyar special. Asha proves why she is the best in this genre. https://youtube.com/watch?v=x11QNC9aA70
Parde Mein Rehne Do from Shikar (1968) is a brilliant song composed by Shankar Jaikishan and picturised on Asha Parekh. This song won Asha a Filmfare award. https://youtube.com/watch?v=DtmVReoWK9k
Piya Tu Ab To Aaja : How can one write an Asha review and leave out Helen? Here she comes, in probably the greatest every cabaret song from the movie Caravan (1971). R D Burman’s orchestration in this song is extraordinary. Asha-RD combination rocked the film industry producing a series of hits. This song won Asha another Filmfare award. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bua_QY1awj8
Dum Maro Dum from Hare Krishna Hare Ram (1971) is an all-time great with R D Burman’s spell-binding music. It goes without saying that Asha won another Filmfare award for this song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=f_v9oQhVE2E&
Aao Na Gale Laga Lo Na is an erotic song from Mere Jeevan Sathi (1972) R D Burman’s music has Asha singing and Helen seducing a blind Rajesh Khanna. https://youtube.com/watch?v=agQjzmxlOXE&
Sajna Hain Mujhe Sajna Ke Liye is a sweet song from Saudagar (1973), composed by Ravindra Jain. Picturisation on Padma Khanna is average, but listen to the melody of Asha, super! https://youtube.com/watch?v=TFnFwW5KZkY
Chain Se Humko Kabhi from Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye (1974) is the last song Asha sung for O P Nayyar thus ending their historical musical association. Interestingly the song was never used in the movie. This song seems to be sung by Asha with every line meant for OP. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8eN4CgXvLes
Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Diwana is another blistering cabaret from the original Don (1978). Kalyanji Anandji’s music ensured that Asha won another Filmfare award, her last, after which she decided to stop accepting them. https://youtube.com/watch?v=wABR1D-TVLo
Do Lafzon Ki Hain Dil Ki Kahani is one of my all-time favourite songs from The Great Gambler (1979). R D Burman’s song is picturised in Venice on Amitabh and Zeenat. Please do watch this song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=waeAGdCvJd8
Dil Cheez Kya Hain is from Umrao Jaan (1981). Khayyam’s music helped Asha to win a National award. The ghazals from this film were great and proved Asha’s versatility. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4KvYOLp9taI
Jawani Jaaneman from Namak Halal (1982) has music by Bappi Lahiri and showcases Asha’s amazing range. https://youtube.com/watch?v=f5bEkgKTZmw
Rangeela Re from the movie Rangeela (1995) helped in resurrecting Asha’s career. While sister Lata’s voice was deteriorating with age, Asha’s voice surprisingly seemed to get younger and younger. A R Rahman’s music for this song helped Asha to win a Filmfare special award https://youtube.com/watch?v=eW2h-3LBXAQ
Le Gayi Le Gayi a youthful song from Dil To Pagal Hain (1997) proved to the world that Asha’s voice was younger and sweeter than ever. Uttam Singh composed the music of this song. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ydSObu33PyU
Even today Asha Bhosle continues to sing in movies and albums and also performs at live concerts. She is now acting in a movie. At the age of 77, her voice remains the same as it did in the 50s and 60s. She is without doubt the queen of music.
Please do share your views on my song selection, which of them do you like? And which are your favourite Asha songs, please do share them.