Asha Bhosle Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Songs & Achievements
Introduction
Asha Bhosle is one of the most celebrated and versatile playback singers in the history of Indian cinema. With a career spanning more than seven decades, she has recorded over 12,000 songs in more than 20 Indian and foreign languages, making her one of the most prolific vocalists in the world. Known for her ability to sing across genres—romantic melodies, cabaret numbers, ghazals, bhajans, and pop—Asha has delivered timeless hits like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maro Dum, Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, and In Aankhon Ki Masti.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Asha Bhosle
- Date of Birth: 8 September 1933
- Birthplace: Sangli, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Playback Singer
- Zodiac Sign: Virgo
- Parents: Deenanath Mangeshkar (father), Shevanti Mangeshkar (mother)
- Siblings: Lata Mangeshkar, Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Khadikar, Hridaynath Mangeshkar
- Spouses: Ganpatrao Bhosle (1949–1960), R. D. Burman (1980–1994, until his death)
- Children: Hemant Bhosle, Varsha Bhosle, Anand Bhosle
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 60 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later grey)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Asha was born into the legendary Mangeshkar family in Sangli, Maharashtra. Her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, was a renowned classical singer and theatre actor. After his death in 1942, the family faced hardships, and Asha, along with her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar, began singing to support the household.
She received classical music training at a young age and was determined to establish her individuality in the music industry, distinct from her famous sister.
Musical Journey & Career Highlights
Debut & Struggles
Asha made her playback singing debut in 1943 with the Marathi film Majha Bal. Her first Hindi film song was Saawan Aaya (Chunariya, 1948). Initially, she struggled to get mainstream opportunities and was typecast into singing for secondary characters.
Breakthrough & Stardom
Her breakthrough came in the late 1950s and 1960s with composers like O. P. Nayyar, who gave her bold, peppy numbers such as Aaiye Meharban and Jhumka Gira Re. Later, her association with R. D. Burman gave her iconic tracks like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maro Dum, and Mehbooba Mehbooba.
Iconic Bollywood Songs
- Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971)
- Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko (Yaadon Ki Baaraat, 1973)
- Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1971)
- In Aankhon Ki Masti (Umrao Jaan, 1981)
- Jhumka Gira Re (Mera Saaya, 1966)
- Mehbooba Mehbooba (Sholay, 1975)
Versatility
Asha’s voice adapted across genres—romantic ballads, ghazals, cabaret songs, pop collaborations, and even international projects. Her collaboration with Ghulam Ali, Khayyam, and R. D. Burman showcased her unmatched range.
International Recognition
Asha worked with artists like Boy George, Michael Stipe, and appeared in world music albums. She performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and was nominated for the Grammy Awards.
Awards & Achievements
- Padma Vibhushan (2008) – India’s second-highest civilian honor.
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000) – India’s highest award in cinema.
- 2 National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
- 7 Filmfare Awards for Best Playback Singer.
- Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (1997).
- Honored by the BBC as one of the “Top 20 Greatest Voices of the World.”
- Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records for most recorded songs.
Personal Life
Asha married Ganpatrao Bhosle at the age of 16, but the marriage ended in separation. Later, she married music director R. D. Burman in 1980, and their creative partnership became iconic. She had three children—Hemant, Varsha, and Anand. Sadly, both Hemant and Varsha passed away, leaving Anand as her surviving child.
Legacy & Influence
Asha Bhosle’s career represents fearlessness, versatility, and longevity. While her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar became the epitome of purity in music, Asha carved her own path with bold, experimental, and unconventional songs. Her contributions to ghazals, filmi songs, pop, and international music collaborations have cemented her as a global music icon. Even today, she is regarded as one of the finest female playback singers India has ever produced.
FAQs
1. What was Asha Bhosle’s Bollywood debut song?
Saawan Aaya from Chunariya (1948).
2. Which composer gave Asha Bhosle her big break?
O. P. Nayyar, followed by R. D. Burman.
3. Has Asha Bhosle won a Padma Award?
Yes, she received the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
4. How many songs has Asha Bhosle recorded?
Over 12,000 songs in more than 20 languages.
5. Has Asha Bhosle collaborated internationally?
Yes, with global artists and on Grammy-nominated projects
