When R D Burman had to choose between Lata and Asha
One singer – Lata Mangeshkar -- was the preferred option for songs to be crooned by the top heroines. The other singer was her sister – Asha Bhosle -- the best option for the saucy songs performed by the cabaret queen Helen and supporting actresses.
In this context, on the genius composer R D Burman’s 22nd death anniversary, it may be recalled that he had to strike a balancing act between the two. A feat which was difficult since R D had even married Asha Bhosle after being obsessive with her flawless voice.
In an interview when he was asked to compare the sisters, Panchamda as he was fondly known, had cleverly used a cricket analogy. He had said, “If Lata Mangeshkar is the Don Bradman of music, Asha Bhosle is its Gary Sobers.”
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Years after Panchamda’s passing away at the age of 54, Asha Bhosle's reaction to the comparison is: “Yes, I remember Pancham’s comparison. Perhaps what he meant was that didi is as controlled as Bradman was on the pitch, while like Sobers, I have taken more risks.”
Touche. Now, that’s one sixer of a reaction.
Thumbnail Image Source: facebook/LataMangeshkar, facebook/RDBurmanTheVersatileComposer & facebook/Asha.Bhosle.Page
