ingale of
India. She was lately in the news for lending her voice in protest against the
coming up of a flyover along the road she lives in. In the news today is
Chaitanya Bhonsle, aka Chin 2 Bhonsle, Lata’s grand nephew and Asha
Bhonsle’s grandson, for being part of India’s first boy band — A Band of
Boys.
But
this piece of writing is not about either the father, the brother, the sisters,
or the grandson, but about one who is entwined with them in all these familial
relationships — Asha Bhonsle. From singing film songs, to pop songs, to even
turning composer, she has provided listening pleasure to millions of music
lovers in India and around the globe. On the momentous occasion of her being
awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, ‘g’ met the songstress for a few
glimpses into the mind of a winner.
Asha
Bhonsle lives at Peddar Road. An upmarket area in South Mumbai. The building —
Prabhu Kunj. When we alighted from our taxi and make our way to her apartment,
we make a stopover at the florist. Presenting her with a bouquet would be the
right way of expressing our congrats. But we discovered that the florist had
hiked up his rates. When we protested, he said, “Come on yaar, almost everyone
comes here to buy a bouquet for Ashaji. I’m sure you too are on the same
mission. It’s windfall time for me, so let me make the most of the moment.”
Fair enough, we thought. And proceeded, laded with nature’s beauty to meet a
singer the nation just presented with the highest art award.
Accepting
the bouquet gracefully, Ashaji settled down discussing with us the whys, hows,
and whens of receiving the highest award of the land.
So,
over to Asha Bhonsle...
“I
have been awa ..... |
