Asha Bhosle: I don't like today's music

In a career spanning over six decades she has recorded 13,000 songs ranging from Bollywood numbers to ghazals and classical Indian music to albums with international pop stars such as Boy George, boy band Code Red and the Kronos Quartet.

Asha Bhosle will turn 78 this year, but the legendary Indian singer continues to wow audiences around the world with her music and live concerts. In Dubai to promote her upcoming concert, Rahul and I, featuring popular numbers composed by her late husband and famous Bollywood music director Rahul Dev Burman, she spoke to tabloid! about her life, her music, her love for cooking and lots more.

What keeps you so energetic and young at heart?

I have the energy because I am used to working hard since childhood. In the old days I used to work continuously from 7am until 2am, recording three or four songs every day. And that is why I have been able to record 13,000 songs in 60 years. I love to laugh and make others smile and this positivity is reflected in my performances. But the most important factor is the power of music. It makes me forget my troubles and fills me with energy.

Tell us about your forthcoming show in Dubai.

Rahul and I is a tribute to R.D. Burman and the beautiful music we created together. Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and Amit Kumar will join me on stage. I have held Amit in my arms as a baby and it is great fun to sing with him the duets I had originally recorded with his father, Kishore Kumar.

Rahul and I had many hit songs together and I have tried to select the most popular numbers for this show. During the show, I will share with the audience memories of how he composed those songs, what inspired him, interesting tidbits connected with the songs and with Rahul's life such as his love for cooking.

You are currently writing your autobiography. Are there any regrets and any things you still want to do in life?

Yes, I have written about all the ups and downs in my life, the people I have worked with and the people who have troubled me. As for regrets... [gets emotional] there is no end to human desires. But there is no point in thinking about what you want to do and making plans, because things rarely go according to our plans. All I ever wanted was to be a homemaker — have a family, cook for them and look after them, but instead I became a singer. I had never even used lipstick, but here I am at this age putting on make-up and doing videos and stage shows around the world. So, I have decided never to plan or worry about tomorrow and to only think about doing my best today.

Would you have liked to sing modern item numbers such as Munni badnam hui (Dabanng) and Sheila ki jawani (Tees Maar Khan)?

I don't like today's music very much. Nobody has sung as many item numbers as me. But I am not interested in singing these songs.

This generation knows your songs because most of the popular remixes today are of your songs. How do you feel about remixes?

A remix can never be as good as the original because these songs were recorded with a live orchestra of up to 100 musicians in the presence of the music director, who would guide us regarding every nuance of the composition. Even if I sing those songs today they will not be the same. But I do not mind the remixes if they are done well because my name is still connected with the songs.

Many young singers and music directors claim to be inspired by R.D. Burman. Do you see his spark in any of them?

No. Youngsters find him inspirational because he was ahead of his times. But they should understand that being inspired does not mean to steal. I am inspired by my sister Lata Mangeshkar, but I never imitated her and I created my own style.

Lata Mangeshkar recently said that you always trouble her and she always forgives you. How do you trouble her?

I don't. She is the one who has always troubled me throughout my life.

How did your collaborations with international musicians happen?

They were not planned. They just happened. I met Boy George at a nightclub in London and he told me he was a fan of my music and we decided to work together. Similarly other musicians such as Kronos Quartet heard my songs and approached me to work with them. My son Anand has introduced me to musicians from the US, Spain, China and other countries who wanted to work with me and I am always ready to experiment with new ideas. I have done many concerts with Kronos Quartet for international audiences. I still wear a sari, sing my own songs and interact with the foreign musicians and the audience in my special English — but the response has been wonderful.

Which of your many awards do you value the most?

Awards do not mean much because public memory is short and nobody remembers what awards you won. If people listen to my songs and love me for my music, that is the best award for me.

Do you enjoy tweeting?

Yes it is good fun to connect with old colleagues such as Shammi Kapoor and reminisce about old times.

We recently reminisced about a song in his first film, Jeevan Jyoti that he sang with me. It is good fun even though my comments have sometimes caused controversies.

Dinner with Asha

Could it be possible that Asha Bhosle's even more talented in the kitchen? Her two restaurants in Dubai are testament to that — she'll personally launch the second Asha's in Mall of the Emirates tomorrow. Here she spills the beans on her love of cooking.

How involved are you with the running of your restaurant, Asha's, in Dubai?

My children decided to open this restaurant because I have always enjoyed cooking and still cook at home for my family and friends. My son handles the business side of it, but I am involved in the food related aspects. The menu at Asha's includes my own signature dishes, including some I learnt from R.D. Burman and others I borrowed from the kitchens of my friends such as Raj Kapoor and Majrooh Sultanpuri. Before we opened, I personally trained the chef to prepare these dishes my way; and I blend and grind the masalas myself based on my secret recipes.

What do you enjoy more — people listening to your songs or eating your dishes?

I love to feed people. I do not like buffets — I like to serve my guests hot food with my own hands.

What is your favourite meal? What foods do you avoid to protect your voice?

My favourite is a simple meal of dal, rice, potato bhaji and lemon or chilli pickle. I avoid anything cold, tamarind and yoghurt.

Don't Miss it

• What: Rahul and I concert
• When: January 14, 9pm
• Where: Shaikh Rashid Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre
• Performers: Asha Bhosle, Amit Kumar and Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan.
• Tickets: Dh1,500, Dh1,000, Dh650, Dh300 and Dh200. For bookings call 050-2254010/04-4464801 or e-mail info@ccyclops.com