In an unusual and almost uncanny coincidence, sisters Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar – voices that shaped the music industry – died on the same day and at the same age. Asha Bhosle (92) died on Sunday, March 12, while Lata Mangeshkar (92) breathed her last on February 6, 2022, which was also a Sunday, after being diagnosed with Covid-19.
After news of Bhosle’s death broke, a throwback photo of the sisters started doing rounds on social media. The photo was originally shared by Bhosle in 2022. The monochrome image shows the two sisters posing for the camera.
Asha Bhosle shared the picture and reminisced about her childhood and wrote, “Bachpan ke din bhi kya din the. Didi and me,” followed by a heart emoji. The post is now widely shared by fans on social media.
Asha Bhosle started her singing career at the early age of nine in 1943. By that time, her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar had already made a name for herself in the music industry. During the 1950s, Asha was often introduced primarily as “Latina’s sister”. Despite several superhit numbers, she was largely limited to a certain type of songs – mainly dance numbers and cabaret pieces. However, as new composers emerged, things began to turn in Bhosle’s favour. They began to trust Mangeshkar’s younger sister and Asha proved them right.
Queen of dance numbers
From Piya Tu Ab To Aa Ja (Caravan) to Yeh Mera Dil (Don), Dum Maaro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna) and O Haseena Zulfowali (Teesri Manzil), Asha Bhosle has dominated the dance number genre in Bollywood for over two decades.
During the 1960s and 1970s, her voice became synonymous with screen icon Helen. If the film included a song captured on Helen, it was almost certain that Asha was behind the microphone. While she explored other musical styles, this genre became her defining signature.
In the 1980s, many critics believed that Asha Bhosle was more limited compared to Lata Mangeshkar; however, she soon proved him wrong with her excellent performance in Umrao Jaan.
Her talent was further highlighted in Mera Kuch Saamaan from Ijazat which earned her wide acclaim and another national award.
Personal life marked by bold choices
Asha Bhosle’s personal journey has been as unconventional as her career. At the age of 16, she defied her family’s wishes and eloped with Ganpatrao Bhosle, who was significantly older. However, the marriage was short-lived. She returned to her maternal home with two children and another on the way. The couple separated in 1960, but Asha chose to keep the surname “Bhosle”, which eventually became her identity.
In 1980, she again followed her heart and married the legendary composer RD Burman. Despite opposition due to their age difference and family reservations, Asha stood firm in her decision and reflected her independent spirit on and off the stage.
