Asha Bhosle wishes for audience’s love on birthday

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who turns 80 on September 8, wishes for love and support from her audience and fans for the rest of her life.

“Only one wish is left, that whatever love I have, it should stay with me till my last day,” Bhosle said at a birthday celebration organised on Wednesday (September 5) evening.

The singer feels there is no one in the industry today who can take her place. She said she has sung so many different types of songs in different languages and styles and is yet to come across someone in the industry who can do that.

“There is no one because I have sung all types of songs in different styles, in different languages. I have sung a Russian song in Russia and an English song in London. I have sung songs in Malayalam and all types of songs. I haven’t seen anyone who has done that,” she said.

Stalwarts from the music industry including Anu Malik, Sulaiman Merchant and Sukhwinder Singh were at the event to wish Asha Bhosle.

About his own personal experiences with the legendary singer, composer Anu Malik described how she helped in his career.

“I remember when I was 16, I went to her place. She made me have tea and asked me why I had come. I told her I want her to do a song for me. She was so busy but still took out time and agreed to sing my song. When she said yes I will sing for you, I can never forget it. She has helped so many singers like me,” he said.

“I hope she lives for 1,000 years. It is tough to get someone so talented again. So many songs come to my mind when I think of her,” he added.

Playback singer Suresh Wadkar performed Sapne mein milti hai and Asha Bhosle joined him on stage and danced a few steps.

Salim Merchant, after working with Asha Bhosle in reality show Indian Idol, said he feels lucky to have spent so much time with her.

“I connected with Asha ji so well in ‘Indian Idol’. I think I am lucky to spend so much time with her and learn so much from her,” he said.

Asha Bhosle will also be making her acting debut this year with Marathi film Mai.

Asked about her experience in the film, she said: “You should all see and tell me how I am. All I can say is that if every girl doesn’t cry when she sees the film, then I will change my name.”

Veteran actor Manoj Kumar, who was also present, said he had seen the film, and congratulated Asha Bhosle for her good work.

“I have seen her film, I told her that why didn’t you work before, so she joked that I never gave her work before,” he said.

Directed by Mahesh Kodiyal, the film also stars Padmini Kolhapure and Ram Kapoor. It is set to release on November 23.