Page 6 - Seniorstoday September-2023 Issue

Cover Story
Asha @90
Dr Ramachandran Srinivasan traces the legendary songstress’s journey over
eight decades, in celebration of her 90th birthday
Asha Bhosle is one of those rare gems in
the Indian film scene who has spent 80
years in the musical world and did her
concert on her 90th birthday.
The songstress says that the energy
and the effort – despite being a senior
citizen comes from those eight decades of
dedication. “People praise me a lot today
for my work, but one has to remember that
it is only after eighty years of hard work. I
started singing professionally at the age of
10. After coming to Bombay… er… Mumbai,
I started singing for Hindi movies between
43 and 46. Most of the artistes who
performed with me at the concert in Dubai
too are those who have been born in front
of me. But then there are those old music
6
directors, artistes, singers, musicians who
have contributed to me becoming what
I am today, but then I realise that I am
the Aakhri Mughal of the film industry,”
says Asha who lost her elder sister Lata
Mangeshkar last year.
Having worked with around three
generations at times of filmmakers and
musicians, Asha says that she will take
days to narrate stories about them. “I am
the only one who knows the life of each
actor, director, producer, singer and music
director of this film industry. I will take
quite a few days if you ask me to narrate
anecdotes,” she smiles.
How does it feel to turn 90? “Who said I
am turning 90. I am turning 19 now.”