The rest of the evening at our home was spent exchanging banter in Bengali, Marathi, Hindi and English, while Ashatai regaled us with her inimitable mimicry (her affectionate take on Didi Lata Mangeshkar, remains an unforgettable memory). Ashatai was a serial stealer of hearts!
When a songbird sings the last note, the world weeps and whispers a gentle goodbye. Ashatai was India’s favourite songbird for over seven decades—an unmatched record. Not even her idol and older sister, Lata Mangeshkar could surpass the staggering number (12,000 plus recorded songs). A feat recognised by the Guinness Book Of Records (2011).
Asha Bhosle bequeathed her angel’s voice to the world, singing effortlessly in over 20 Indian and foreign languages, her girlish soprano retaining its suppleness till the very end. It startled the ignorant and unwary listener into imagining a teenager singing seductively, hitting each note with precision and polish acquired during her deprivation driven childhood and rigorous daily riyaaz throughout her long life. She grew up in the Deenanath Mangeshkar household surrounded by geet. A divine blessing and an ordained gift which Ashatai humbly employed all through her rich, generous life. She was devoted to her tanpura, as she showered her love, her passion, her entire being to the fulcrum of her existence, her calling, her mission—sangeet.
Ashatai’s hold over three generations is an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping feat. Her range, mastery and versatility over multiple genres of music defied categorisation. It is impossible to fit Ashatai’s brand into a single box. She aced it all—from pop to bhajans. Never a false note.
A consummate performer, Ashatai loved being on stage, with the spotlight bouncing off her priceless diamond jewelry, as she swayed and improvised, her body moving to the beats, her carefully picked, one of a kind sarees, rustling softly, as she flirted with the adoring fans who ensured every show had a “sold out” sign flashing near the box office.
Ashatai was childlike in her vanity!She enjoyed elaborate photo shoots at Gautam’s studio and took her time to get ready for the camera. She knew her angles, smiles and dimples, relying on ace make-up artist Mickey Contractor to transform her into a diva.
Just last summer, I was thrilled to see gigantic billboards across London, announcing tribute concerts at Leicester.
A year earlier she had a massive 90th birthday celebratory concert in Dubai (Asha@90), during which she sang for three hours. Trying topping that! To say nothing of her impromptu ‘Tauba Tauba’’ jig at 91. What a woman! What a life! She often said she wanted to sing till her last breath…. Well, she achieved her goal. Leaving all of us bereft as we recall her unique, disarming little-girl voice urging a lover to stay and stay and stay, with these lines: Abhi na jayo chhod kar…dil abhi bhara nahi…’’ Our dils will forever yearn for more Asha.
Her last published interview was for Viva Goa. She was asked to name her ”closest friend”. Without missing a beat Ashatai replied, “my voice.” Says it all!
Didi was honoured with a Bharat Ratna. Just saying.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)
