Asha Bhosle: The Glamorous Voice of Indian Music
A Star on Stage
Asha Bhosle captivates audiences with her glamorous stage presence. Her performance style is a dazzling mix of traditional and modern, featuring intricately embroidered saris in soft pastel shades, complemented by stunning jewelry. A favorite accessory is her large, bejeweled cuff, adorned with swinging gems that catch the light as she moves. She chooses her outfits based on the concert's location and the weather, often favoring white saris paired with pearls over diamonds.
Reinventing Artistry
With meticulously styled eyebrows and a vibrant bindi, Asha's subtle lip color enhances her look. She believes in the importance of reinvention for artists. 'Every time I perform, my hairstyle, bangles, and sari receive compliments. I pioneered the trend of wearing a coat over my sari,' she notes, a style still popular on fashion runways today.
A Touch of Magic
During a concert in London years ago, she was humorously dubbed 'Madonna in a sari.' Asha also incorporates fun elements into her performances, inspired by a magic show she attended. 'Now, I can make handkerchiefs disappear or conjure up burned cigarettes—it's a sleight of hand I mastered!'
Life Beyond the Spotlight
At home, Asha often finds joy in cooking, singing as she prepares meals. She embodies the essence of a proud housewife and grandmother from a small Maharashtrian community. 'I take pride in my home. While I sing, no one disturbs me, but afterward, I have to manage the household, including planning meals.' Her family often serves as her inspiration.
Crafting Emotion Through Music
A memorable moment in her career was recording 'Chhod do aanchal' for the film *Paying Guest* (1956). Struggling to convey the right emotion, she was advised by Sachin Dev Burman to visualize her husband pulling her sari, which helped her deliver the perfect expression. This ability to adapt her voice to fit various characters has made her a versatile artist, as noted by Ken Hunt in the *Rough Guide to World Music*.
Lifelong Learning
Asha's journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning. Transitioning from her native Marathi to Hindi, she also learned enough Tamil to perform in that language and picked up English through self-study. Even in her seventies, she began learning the guitar, believing that determination can overcome any age barrier.
Navigating Controversy
While establishing her career, Asha faced discomfort with some risqué lyrics. 'I felt uneasy with inappropriate lyrics, but never with the melodies. A song is just a song; singing a *tawaif* number doesn't define me,' she explains. Reflecting on her journey, she notes, 'Those who once criticized me now praise my music. The same audience that couldn't buy my records as kids now shares my songs with their children.'
Embracing Change
Asha's adaptability is one of her greatest strengths. 'My mother taught me that one should not be like a frog in a well; the world is vast, and I remind myself of this constantly.' She acknowledges her practical approach to life, stating, 'I couldn't be a writer or an actress, but I could sing. Music is my constant companion, and it alleviates my pain. Despite initial naivety about the industry, rejection fueled my determination, leading to my success.'
The Evolution of Music
Today, Asha's music is experiencing a resurgence through remixes, a trend that has altered the essence of original compositions. 'While no one can prevent remixes, I urge creators to respect the original work. Some remixes are enjoyable, but many videos can distort the song's meaning. I recently saw a remix of 'Chhod do aanchal' where the performers wore pants and shirts, completely missing the essence of the song!'
Conclusion
Excerpted with permission from Asha Bhosle – A Life in Music, Ramya Sarma, Manjul Publishing.