A life in melody, a legacy beyond time

Yogesh Gole

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle were towering cultural icons of India. Lata Didi left this mortal world in February 2022. With Asha Tai now gone, music lovers feel truly orphaned.

While the world celebrates her for unforgettable Hindi film songs, Maharashtra cherishes her rich Marathi repertoire. In the era of radio, listeners stayed glued to transistors as her melodies across genres - Jivalaga Rahile Dur Ghar Maze, Rupeli Valut Madanchya Banat Ye Na, Jivalaga Kadhi Re Yeshil Tu, Ja Ja Ja Re Nako Bolu Jana, Ka Re Durava Ka Re Abola, Kenvha Tari Pahate, Malmali Tarunya Majhe, Jhuk Jhuk Aagin Gadi - filled the air.

Those now nearing 60 recall these songs vividly. As we grew, we discovered she was not just Maharashtra’s melody queen but a leading voice of Hindi cinema, with over 12,000 songs in 20 languages.

Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge, Nigahein Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai, Chain Se Humko Kabhi, Aao Huzoor Tumko, Parde Mein Rehne Do, Dil Cheez Kya Hai… and countless other songs left the nation spellbound. Her delicate, powerful voice and astonishing range captivated generations.

There was endless debate over who was greater - Lata or Asha. But for listeners, both were equally revered. To have lived in an era when both sang was a sheer privilege. Asha Tai may be gone, but her songs will endure for generations.

After I die, you will say she was a good woman

Despite personal setbacks like troubled marriage, deaths of a son and a daughter, Asha Tai radiated positivity. She was a self-made woman, gifted singer who carved a niche for herself and reached the top with sheer hard work. During her visit to Lokmat Bhavan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in January 2016, the editorial team witnessed her energy, humility, and ever-smiling presence.

Sharing her philosophy, she said: “Lord Krishna teaches that we came with nothing and will leave with nothing. Do not dwell on past or future - live in the present, where He is with us. Today, I speak nicely with you and will receive your affection. After I die, you will say she was a good woman.”

The very next day, at 83, she performed live at Kalasagar concert in historic Sunhari Mahal, with remarkable brilliance - timeless, effortless, unforgettable.