12 April was a sad day for the entertainment world. Asha Bhosle (AB), the versatile singer left us forever, leaving behind a staggering musical treasure. Though primarily a playback singer, she also contributed to the non-film genre. It was always a delight to see her perform on stage. She had a great sense of humour, made witty comments and was a great mimic as well. She stayed connected to her audience.
One point she always mentioned was “rising to the challenge.” If a music director said that he was ready to simplify a tough sounding tune, she would disagree to the proposal. She would rehearse hard and deliver the most difficult of compositions, that too in a single take! Facing challenges became her forte. As years passed, new music directors arrived, trends changed along with the audience’s taste. AB was always around to adapt to the new generation and remain competitive.
Today’s post is also about some film situations involving a challenge or a competition; AB being an integral part of all these songs. Even scrolling through the list will give the reader an idea of the variety of songs and the ease with which she sung them.
My heartfelt tribute to this truly versatile icon. Hope you enjoy!
1) Song: Dekho Bijli Dole
Film: Phir Wohi Dil Laya Hoon (1963)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | O.P. Nayyar | Asha Bhosle and Usha Mangeshkar
One Asha sings for another. AB and Asha Parekh (AP) shared a long association starting from the latter’s debut film Dil Deke Dekho. AB sang a range of songs for her right from trademark dance numbers to romantic and sad songs. Parde mein rehne do, Daiya ye main kaha aa phansi, Khat likhde sawariya ke naam babu, O mere sona re, Jab chali thandi hawa..it would be a long list of hit songs. In this classical dance competition song AP shows her dancing prowess complemented by AB’s classical singing. It is definitely one of those songs which is a delight to hear and watch. It is a rare classical composition from O. P Nayyar, the music director who arguably had a sizeable contribution in AB’s playback career.
2) Song: Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin
Film: Mere Mehboob (1963)
Credits: Shakeel Badayuni | Naushad | Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle
This is a duet between AB and her peerless sister Lata Mangeshkar (LM). Both sisters are in a competitive spirit as they sing for the onscreen pair of Sadhana (LM) and Ameeta (AB). The lyrics describe their beloved and each one tries to outdo the other. A beautiful composition by Naushad and both sisters excel in their art by matching note to note.
3) Song: Kaise Samjhaoon?
Film: Suraj (1966)
Credits: Hasrat Jaipuri | Shankar Jaikishan | Mohammed Rafi & Asha Bhosle
Mohammed Rafi sang the highest number of duets with AB and their pairing was one of its kind. Again it would be a long list of songs enough to feed multiple blog posts! This Shankar Jaikishan number is a nice give and take song set in raag Bhairavi. A hero v/s the heroine song. AB sings for Vyjanthimala as she taunts the hero (Rajendra Kumar). This is another example of a song where the voice matches the heroine’s expressions perfectly. The singing and dancing is effortless and impactful.
4) Song: Saaf Karo Insaaf Karo
Film: Aashirwad (1968)
Credits: Gulzar | Vasant Desai | Ashok Kumar, H. Chattopadhyay, Hemlata and Asha Bhosle
Lavani is a traditional dance form in Maharashtra state. It’s subset is the sawaal jawaab performance. Questions (riddles) are posed in the form of a song and the other party guesses the answer. The lyrics are witty and set to a melodious tune. AB has sung many lavanis in Marathi films and she is in top form here in it’s Hindi version. The singing has that hint of a mischievous, teasing tone as the competition heats up(!). On screen, we see Ashok Kumar enjoying the performance of the dancer (Leela Gandhi). A different song but highly enjoyable.
5) Song: Raaz Ki Baat Kehdu Toh
Film: Dharma (1973)
Credits: Verma Malik | Sonik Omi | Mohammed Rafi and Asha Bhosle
I would term this as a suspense song. The dancer Bindu is aware of Nawab Saab’s (Pran) secret and threatens to expose him in public. He warns her to remain silent and the audience is eager to know what happens next. This was an unlikely qawwali duet between supporting actors but it became a roaring hit thanks to the acting, lyrics, music and of course the singing. AB is in top form using a threatening and warning tone to bring about the desired emotions.
6) Song: Hai Agar Dushman
Film: Hum Kisise Kum Naheen (1977)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosle and Chorus
Another blockbuster qawwali featuring the same singers. This is a challenge song where the hero dares the heroine to come forward and proclaim her love for him in full public view. She is reluctant but gathers courage and joins him in the performance. Challenge accepted! AB makes a fully charged entry in this fast faced and difficult composition based on raag Kalavati. Once again, we are awed by her versatility.
7) Song: Saare Niyam Tod Do
Film: Khubsoorat (1980)
Credits: Gulzar | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle, Rekha and Chorus
Challenges can be subtle as shown in this song featuring Rekha, Ashok Kumar, Rakesh Roshan and others. Rekha’s character organizes a surprise performance to deliver an important message to the family members. She challenges them to break rules and enjoy their life for the sake of nirmal anand (pure bliss). Needless to say, they are convinced and accept the challenge responding “Inquilaab Zindabaad.”
8) Song: Meri Nazar Hai Tujh Pe
Film: The Burning Train (1980)
Credits: Sahir | R. D. Burman | Asha Bhosle
The 60s and 70s would have these fusion songs (Indian v/s western) which became popular. This is one such song from R. D. Burman. It has Parveen Babi (western) competing against Hema Malini (Indian). And surprise, AB sings for both the ladies. She glides alternately through the western and Indian singing styles and doesn’t loosen her grip. A difficult feat but AB proves her command in handling such experimental songs.
9) Song: Aa Dekhe Zara
Film: Rocky (1981)
Credits: Majrooh Sultanpuri | R. D. Burman | Kishore Kumar, R. D. Burman and Asha Bhosle
This is a rare song sung by the golden trio of Kishore Kumar, RD and AB. The men sing for Sanjay Dutt and Shakti Kapoor whereas AB sings for Tina Munim and Reena Roy. It is a proper dance competition song full of energy. AB sings full throttle adding the needed punch to the competition.
10) Song: Main Haseena Gazab Ki
Film: Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Credits: Indivar | Rajesh Roshan | Asha Bhosle and Sadhana Sargam
And the final song is a face off between Rekha and Sonu Walia. Khoon Bhari Maang was a revenge drama. Rekha plots to seek revenge from Kabir Bedi and this song is the first step towards that goal. AB makes a dashing entry through her engaging vocals to crush the onscreen opponent. Rekha matches the singing with some over the top costumes and dance moves.
Cine Gaurav 