When you are in the presence of the iconic Indian singer like Asha Bhosle, there’s a good chance that that the interaction turns sycophantic.
At a press conference in Dubai on Wednesday ahead of her concert at the Shaikh Rashid Hall, the 84-year-old singer, whose career spanned more than four decades, evoked an unparalleled obsequiousness. Questions surrounding her long-lasting appeal and her inspiration were the highlights. But the singer, who is known to have injected a playful and seductive tone to Bollywood playback singing, also managed to squeeze in valuable life lessons that has worked for her. The Churaliya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko singer was also pragmatic about her advancing age and her mortality.
“Let’s consider ourselves lucky that the concert is happening. It has been so many years since I have performed. Imagine if I were to perform again in Dubai, then what will my age be? More than age, I don’t know what God has in store for me. He could call us in anytime. That is how life is. This could be my last concert, but I may come back again if I am invited next year too. I will surely come,” said Bhosle.
Her indefatigable spirit was reflected when she spoke about her observations about Dubai and how much she loved this city.
“I love the people of Dubai. They work very hard and they party harder,” said Bhosle in Hindi.
Always a sport, she even sang a few lines from her hit songs, including O Sona Re, upon request. Here’s what we gleaned from the legendary award-winning singer...
1. Work is my vocation:
“I have never really thought about what’s my inspiration or passion. I just work and I don’t think about anything else. I sing songs as if it were my first song and I have this belief that if I don’t sing it well, then my name shall be ruined. I just work as much as I can. I was never unnecessarily choosy because you never known which flower will have the lasting fragrance. Also, if you keep moving forward, then your mind and brains are automatically sorted. Idle mind isn’t good.”
2. Don’t over-analyse your own work:
“There are many songs that I have not been satisfied with personally, but it has gone on to become some of the biggest hits in home. We never know if our work is good or bad unless it’s up for judgement. I remember, I wasn’t satisfied with the way I sang O Sona Re, but Pancham [music composer R D Burman and Bhosle’s late husband] said he was happy with it. Even today, after I have sung so many songs I cannot tell if a song will work or not.”
3. Respect your body and talents:
“I stay away from bad habits. I stay away from cigarettes, liquor, cold drinks, tamarind because I know that I need to retain my voice. It’s not easy to maintain yourself or your voice, but I do it religiously. At 84, I know it is God’s will about how my body will function, and that’s fate. But I will continue to march ahead.”
4. They don’t make them like they used to:
“Kishore [Kumar] da, [Mohammad] Rafi sir, Mukesh — their voices were rare and aren’t to found nowadays. God seems to have forgotten to gift such voices. He forgot to create the quality — ask me in my sleep today and I will still wake up and say a name like ‘Kishore da’. About the remixes, I am not a fan of them especially when they adulterate the songs with rap elements.”
5. Laughter is the best medicine:
“I always keep laughing and I always walk with humility. That’s the best way to be.”
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Don’t miss it
What: Rahein Na Rahein Hum, Mehaka Karenge: A Journey of Timeless Melodies with Asha Bhosle
Where: Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
When: November 3, 2017
Time: 8pm
Tickets: Starting at Dh125 on platinumlist.ae
