Ashatai and I had many things in common. But the most vital connection was the Mangueshi temple, dedicated to our ‘’Kul’’ dev. The Rajadhyakshas and Mangeshkars have offered prayers for generations at the historic 16th century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Ponda, North-Central Goa.
The second, very strong connect was good food. I can still smell the aroma of Ashatai’s famous kababs, when she came home to dinner with my cousin (and her close friend) the late Gautam Rajadhyaksha.
Ashatai had insisted she would feed us her specialty and not reveal its secret recipe! Then, with a twinkle in her bright, mischievous eyes, she looked sideways at Dilip, my Bengali husband and teased, ‘’Sorry…I am an expert at Bengali cooking, too, because of RD (Burman, her husband)…I should be treating you to my special fish preparations, but I wanted to cook kebabs for Shobhaa.’’ That stated, she got to work efficiently in our kitchen and rejoined us triumphantly with her unbeatable kebabs sizzling on a platter. Asha’s, the restaurant chain she launched in Dubai, offering Ashatai’s signature dishes, has multiple branches today, across several countries.
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!
Also read: Asha Bhosle grooves to ‘Tauba Tauba’ at Dubai concert. Goddess of music, says Karan Aujla
Unforgettable legacy
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.
Why, 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.
Didi was honoured with a Bharat Ratna. Just saying.
Shobhaa De is an author, columnist, social commentator, and opinion-shaper. She has written 20 books. She tweets @DeShobhaa. Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)