This is a very tough job. I have liking for so many songs of Asha but I have selected here very few which are my favorites. I have tried to highlight Asha’s
…. Spanish Voice.
…. Irani Touch.
…. Lebanese Style of singing.
And off course our Indian Classical as well as Folk.
She was favorite singer for O P Nayyar, Ravi and R D Burman. Actually O.P.Nayyar has groomed Asha Bhonsle to a versatile singer. Both Asha and O.P. Nayyar combination have given us some beautiful songs. I would have love to give all the songs of Asha/OP team.
Some of the listeners of Radio F/M, Radio Mirchi or Radio City, may not like these songs. These songs are traditionally aired on All India Radio, Vividh Bharati or Radio Cylone etc.
With due respect to all music directors and music listeners, let us view some of my choices.
Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh (with Mannade)
“Shree 420” (1956) Shankar-Jaikishan
In this song Asha has sung in “Spanish” way. In some parts of the song she
has sung the song like a western singer.
This is a special song from Asha.
I feel Shankar-Jaikishan have done excellent work from Asha.
Chhota Sa Balama.
“Kalpana”(1958) O.P.Nayyar.
A typical Indian Classical song, one of my all time favorite songs.
I feel Asha has sung this song excellently.
Deewana Mastana Hua Dil (with M. Rafi)
“Bambai Ka Babu” (1960) S.D.Burman
What a song? Fast track with Indian Classical touch. Asha is at it’s best. I feel this is the best song of Asha. Lovely voice.
Kali Ghata Chhaye Mora Jiya
Tum Jiyo Hazaron Sal Ke
“Sujata” (1962) S.D.Burman.
The two very different type of songs.
Ab Ke Baras Bhejo
“Bandini” (1963) S.D.Burman.
A real classic from Asha.
Sakiya Aaj Muze Nind Nahin Aayegi
Meri Jaan O Meri Jaan
Bhanwara Bada Nadan Hai
“Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam” (1963) Hemant Kumar
These three songs from same film have different taste, sung by same singer.
‘Sakiya. and ‘Meri Jaan’ are considered to be the best muzara songs
of hindi film music. On the other hand ‘Bhanwara Bada… is romantically sung.
Nigahe Milane Ko Jee Chahata Hai
“Dil Hi To Hai” (1964) Roshan.
Superb Quwalli sung by Asha.
Nadi Nare Na Jao Sham
“ Muze Jine Do” (1963) Jaidev.
Beautiful folk song from “Chambal” area. Only Asha can deliver such voice.
Zara Holle Holle Chalo Mere Sajna
Aaj Koi Pyrse
“Sawan Ki Ghata” (1965) O.P.Nayyar.
If you want to listen fast track song go for ‘Hole Hole… lovely song.
Aage Bhi Jane Na Tu Pichhe Bhi…
“Waqt” (1966) Ravi.
Sweet, melodious and western style song, exclusive for Asha.
Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge
Yeh Hai Reshami Zulfon Ka Andhera
“Mere Sanam” (1966) O.P.Nayyar.
I have no words to explain these songs. I listen to these songs at least once in a week.
Shishe Se Pi Ya Paimane Se Pi
“Phool Aur Patthar” (1965) Ravi.
Asha’s real magical sound.
Mere Sune Jeevan Ka Aasra Hai Tu
“Aasra” (1965) Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
I like this song because of it’s wording, melodious as well as semi classical tune, excellent voice of Asha. Mother has lots of expectations from her son and you can here the feeling of the mother, in Asha’s voice. That is the beauty of the song.
Zumka Gira Re Bareli Ke Bazar Main
“Mera Saya” (1965) Madanmohan.
A folk cum “nautanki” song excellently sung with a different style.
Pan Kahaye Saiyyan Hamar
“Teesari Kasam” (1965) Shankar-Jaikishan.
Asha has proved that she has an upper hand in singing UP style folk song.
Khat Likha De Sawariyan Ke Naam
“Aaye Din Bahar Ke” (1966) Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Yet another excellent folk song from Asha.
Raat Akeli Hai
“Jewel Thief” (1967) S.D. Burman.
One of the best cabaret song, with melody, of hindi film music.
Parade Main Rehane Do
“Shikaar” (1967) Shankar-Jaikishan.
This a special song from Asha, one can feel the Irani touch in the song.
Ai Dushmn-E-Jan… Allaha… Ha. Aa.
“Patthar Ke Sanam” (1967) Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
If you go to Lebanon you will here this ‘Allaha Ha Aa’. The perfectly sung by Asha in a Lebanese style as told by Laxmikant-Pyarelal who has composed this sexy song.
O Mere Sona Re Sona (with M. Rafi)
“Teeari Manzil” (1967) R.D.Burman
This song has a typical flavor which compels you to listen again and again only because of Asha’s voice.
Dum Maro Dum
“Hare Ram Hare Krishna” (1972) R.D.Burman
This song has changed the total trend of the Hindi Film Music. New Asha was born.
Koi Shahari Babu
“Loafer”(1973) Laxmikant-Pyarelal.
Typical Punjabi flavor and nicely sung by Asha. The Original version is the best than remixes.
Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston
“Umrao Jan”(1981) Khayyam.
Asha is best in all the songs but this is my all time favorite.
Kambakht Ishq (with Sukhwinder Sigh)
“ Pyar Tune Kiya” (2001) Sandip Chauta.
Asha continues to sing in the films but very recently she has sung some beautiful songs my choice is for this fast track, high pitch, sound. I like this song very much.
Some very sweet duets songs of Asha Bhonsle with Lata Mangeshkar.
Sakhiri Sun Bole Papiha Us Par “Miss Marry” 1958(Hemant Kumar)
Man Bhawan Ke Ghar Jaye “Chori Chori” 1958(Shankar-Jaikishan)
Ai Kash Kisi Deewane Ko “Aaye Din Bahar Ke” 1966( Laxmikant-Pyarelal)
Main Chali Main Chali “Padosan” 1967 (R.D.Burman)
Chhap Tilak “Main Tulasi Tere Aangan Ki” 1979(Laxmikant-Pyarelal)
Man Kyon Behaka “ Utsav” 1985(Laxmikant-Pyarelal)