olute delight." Exuding an effervescence that only comes with real happiness, Asha insists, "Today I only live for my children Varsha, Anand, Hemant and my daughter-in-law, Anjana. Unke saamne aur koi itna important nahin." Tell her that you sensed the bonding in an article daughter Varsha wrote and
she asks, "Did she also write that I used to hit her when she was young?
But, what could I do, she was so stubborn?"
Asha, a tough mum? "I always believe in being a friend to the young. But
I also do believe they have to be instilled with the right values."
And it is just this fine balance that emerges even in the songs she sings for
the swinging MTV lot. The glam slam or glam gran era emerged after climbing
the learning curve.
"At a concert, I had this group of 18 to 20-year-olds turning their back
on me, and I realised that the generation gap had to be bridged." So out
went the old fashioned South silks. In came embroidered saris and lycra-fitted
blouses.
Out went the discreet playback singer image and in came the smiling, dimpled
face that struck an instant rapport with international groups like Code Red
and Boy George. "Soon after Code Red, I was touched when this group of
18-year-olds in my building came up to me to tell me how well I sang! But
then, to be one with the young, you have to sing in their voice," she
insists.
Asha dismisses the rest of the glam act to, "those great photographers
like Gautam (Rajadhyaksha) who are so good for my ego. They can make anyone
look good. Also, age is in the mind. I am still singing like I did 30 years
ago."
To perform rare and musical compositions from the Seni ..... | 
