Asha Bhosle Birthday Special: 10 Unforgettable Melodies Of The Music Icon

She was just 11 when she performed her first song on a movie soundtrack and then Asha Bhosle went on to become the most versatile singer in Bollywood. From bhajans to dance numbers and fusion music, Asha Bhosle has proved her mettle in all genres of music.

Starting in Marathi films, she made her Hindi film debut when she sang the song Saawan Aaya for Hansraj Behl's Chunariya (1948). Her first solo Hindi film song was for the movie Raat Ki Raani (1949). However, it was never easy for young Asha to step out of the shadow of her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar, who was already an established singer.

Slowly but steadily she managed to carve a niche for herself and went on to win several Filmfare Awards and 2 National Awards. Her popularity attained such heights that she made a clean sweep at every award function. Finally, in 1979, Asha Bhosle requested the award show organisers to not consider her for awards and give new singers a chance.

Her personal life has witnessed many ups and downs. After the failure of her first marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle, she immersed herself in music completely. However, she finally found love with RD Burman and the two tied the knot in 1980. The couple made some memorable melodies.

As the legendary singer turns 85 today, SpotboyE.com revisited 10 of her most popular tracks. Check them out:

Aaiye Meherbaan


The song was one of Asha Bhosle’s first projects with music composer OP Nayyar. Madhubala was featured in the number and Asha Bhosle’s vocals matched the sensuality of the star. The song was featured in the film Howrah Bridge (1958)

Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka Andhera


Asha Bhosle very efficiently brings out her seductive voice for the track from Mere Sanam (1965). Along with another equally popular number from the film, Jaaiye Aap Kahaan Jaayenge, the song was very popular with movie goers.

Oh Haseena

RD Burman made his debut with the project Teesri Manzil (1966) and shot to fame with a hit album. The song Oh Haseena went on to become one of the most popular numbers of that time, all thanks to the vocals of Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi.

Aao Huzoor Tumko


The voice of Asha Bhosle does not fail to intoxicate listeners even to this day and this song has been remixed by several DJs to keep up with the demands of the younger generation. The song was featured in the film Kismat (1968).

Chura Liya Hai Tumne


Chura Liya Hai Tumne from the film Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), begins with a tune created out of clinking glasses, which was a superb experiment conducted by RD Burman. Then Asha Bhosle’s voice takes over and this combination made the song a superhit, which remains popular till day.

Dum Maro Dum


The song from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) features Zeenat Aman as a hippie and Dev Anand who essays the role of her brother. Asha Bhosle’s rendition was in sync with Zeenat’s character and bagged her a Filmfare Award. Penned by Anand Bakshi, the song went on to become a cult hit.

Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja

Crooned by Asha Bhosle, the peppy number from the film Caravan (1971) is considered to be the quintessential cabaret number by Helen. Written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, the song even bagged Asha Bhosle a Filmfare Award.

Dil Cheez Kya Hai


The semi-classical number from Umrao Jaan (1980) is one of Asha Bhosle’s most memorable numbers as it proved that she could pull off a ghazal. The track fetched her the prestigious National Award.

Mera Kuch Samaan


Penned by Gulzar and crooned by Asha Bhosle, the song was termed ‘ahead of its times’ for its non-rhyming lyrics in free verse. Not only this, the track bagged Asha Bhosle a National Award and was featured in the film Ijaazat (1987).

Tanha Tanha


Asha Bhosle rendered her vocals for Urmila Matondkar in Rangeela (1995) and both took the nation by storm. Who can forget the songs Tanha Tanha and Rangeela Re! Asha Bhosle proved that she could be the voice of everyone, from Rekha to Urmila.









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