When Asha Bhosle arrived at the music scene in the 1940’s, she already had a immensely successful sibling in the industry – who had made her mark in the world of playback singing. That was Lata Mangeshkar.
But despite her elder sister’s stature and her reputation as one of the best leading female voices in cinema, Asha managed to establish a niche for herself – showcasing a versatility that garnered her songs and melodies, that only she could do.
Ms. Bhosle was trained in Hindustani classical, just like her sister, but she didn’t always rely on it – to sing songs in accordance of the characters she did playback for.
Her sensual tunes from early on in the career made her a favourite among filmmakers, who were always looking for a voice for the ‘modern Indian woman.’ And that resulted into some of the most memorable, distinct classics in Hindi cinama.
Looking back at this legendary songstress’ illustrious career, today we’ll be counting down 10 of her most memorable classics – that ought to be part of your ‘definitive’ Asha Bhosle playlist.
Here are Asha Bhosle 10 best songs:
10) Aaiye Meharbaan
Featured on the 1958 film Howrah Bridge, this O. P. Nayyar-composed tune is one of Asha Bhosle’s most memorable songs. An amazing vocal performance, that only Asha was capable of delivering around that time.
9) Raat Akeli Hai
A sultry and evergreen tune from the diva. The song is featured in the 1967 film – Jewel Thief and was composed by the legendary S. D. Burman. It has been remade a number of times, but nothing really beats the original from Asha.
8) Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
Featured in the film ‘Yaadon Ki Baraat’, this eternal classic is filmed on the ethereal beauty – Zeenat Amaan. A stunning and seductive vocal delivery from Ms Bhosle, as she takes you on a ride with delivery an understated oomph-factor to the song.
7) Dum Maaro Dum
This cult classic perfectly exemplifies the essence of the 70’s “hippie movement”, that saw youngsters dwelling in recreational drugs in search of some sort of nirvana and to get away from mundane things. For some reason this still serves as your perfect partner during a long road trip – it just lets you know that you don’t have to have a care in the world to let your hair down and unwind. And Asha sings and interprets the notion flawlessly.
6) Raat Shabnami
This indipop tune serves as an example of Asha Bhosle’s timeless appeal. The Hindustani classical trained singer, who started her career back in the 40’s – was still very much relevant among teens and young-adults in the 90’s and beyond and her presence in the Pop-music scene proved just that. This particular song is definitely one of her most loved ones from that era.
5) Log Kehte Hain
Venturing beyond the world of film music, Asha Bhosle released ghazal album – Aabshaar-E-Ghazal, in the year 1985. Composed by a very young Hariharan, the song and this entire album garnered immense critical acclaim and showcased the diva at the heights of her powers.
4) Yuh Saja Chaand
Asha Bhosle didn’t just render her gift to mainstream film songs, she was also a force to be reckoned with in the world of Ghazals. This mesmerizing tune showcases Asha’s versatility as a vocalist and she just nails it out of the park.
3) Ab Ke Baras Bhejo
A gut-wrenching tune from the Nutan and Ashok Kumar classic – Bandini. This beautiful tune carries the melancholic sound of nostalgia, and Asha’s voice delivers and brings out the true essence of it’s poignant lyric to the T.
2) Mera Kuch Samaan
A beautifully-penned tune from the film Ijaazat. Mera Kuch Samaan certainly ranks as one of the greatest tracks written on heartbreak, and feeling of never letting go of your one true love – even if you can’t have them. A heartbreaking, and unforgettable tune.
1) In Ankhon Ki Masti Mein
A stunning vocal performance from Asha Bhosle as featured in the film Umrao Jaan. The only thing in the world that can eclipse the stunning Rekha on celluloid, is Ashaji’s voice in the playback – and she does just that. Apart from a beautiful lyric from Akhlaq Mohammed Khan, Asha Bhosle is the only artist that matters when you watch/hear this song.
Here are some other classics from the diva that constitute our list’s ‘honourable mentions’:
Parde Mein Rehne Do
Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja
Yeh Mera Dil
Ye Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka Andhera
Tanha Tanha