Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 following multiple organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital. Veteran actress Asha Parekh, who shared a close association with her since her debut film Dil Deke Dekho (1959), expressed deep grief and shock.Recalling her memories, Parekh said, “Ashaji was a very warm and lovely person. The news has come as a shock. I was aware that she was unwell and was brought to the Breach Candy hospital on Friday. I had met her for the first time on the sets of Dil Deke Dekho, my debut film. Her warmth, talent and lovely personality continued to be the same over my 40-year career in Hindi cinema.”She added, “I remember her telling me how my 1971 film Caravan song ‘Daiya Yeh Main Kahan Phasi’ was a very difficult song for her.
She had shared how it had many variations and it was not easy singing that song. The most important thing about her singing was how she sang in such a way that her voice embraced the actress’ personality in the film and it felt that the actress was singing it. That was the power of her versatility and talent.
“Speaking about her favourite songs, Parekh said, “Aaja Aaja (Teesri Manzil 1966) is my personal favourite. I think this song stayed with me forever. The song was a R. D. Burman composition and sung by Ashaji and Mohammed Rafi. I loved performing to the song.
Then of course, Rekha’s song ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ (Umra Jaan) was also a personal favourite.”Remembering how she met her when she received the prestigious Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Memorial Award for her dedicated service to Indian cinema, Parekh said, “She was extremely warm and it felt like a big honour to receive the award in her presence. She also came for my 70th birthday celebrations when I had organised a gathering. We had kept in touch regularly over the years and can never forget her smile, and her songs will continue to ring in my ears in the future too.
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