'I have done it all'

When Asha Bhosle walked into her own restaurant at Wafi City, Dubai, guests waiting at the lounge scrambled up from their seats. "It's herself, it's Asha!," they whispered. Asha smiled a welcome, stopped to exchange a few words and then stepped into the restaurant, ready to give us her full attention.

She posed willingly with lamps and beaded curtains, even repeating, for our photographer Megan Hirons, the pose from a portrait mounted on the wall. At no time, during the photo shoot or subsequent interview, did she show irritation or even disinterest.

But that's Asha Bhosle for you — a true pro.

At 74, Asha practises singing daily and continues to mesmerise in her film songs and pop albums, her voice easily matching heroines less than half her age. In a candid interview ahead of her Dubai concert this Friday, she talks of Hindi film music then — and now.

How do you manage to constantly re-invent yourself?

This is our habit from childhood. We can't sit, we have to work hard. I keep working, keep changing with the times. But I change my way of thinking, my music, not the way I dress. It's the same Asha Bhosle in a sari that you'll find in every show, but she'll be doing something new.

When I sang the first cabaret songs [in Hindi films], I was abused by people. But I was not scared to be different. Every song I hear now seems to repeat me — I have done it all before.

A lot has been said about the supposed rivalry between you and your sister, Lata Mangeshkar. Even a film was made on that theme…

Oh yes, that rivalry! Just because you make two actresses wear plaits it doesn't mean they become Lata and Asha. You know we have a saying, when the elephants go past, dogs bark.

Didi [elder sister] is my favourite singer ever and I love her song Aaja Re Pardesi. Of course, I've been scared singing in front of her. I've said, I can never be better than Didi, but let me try and be as good.

How good is Hindi music today?

Dance today is more important. People don't listen to songs anymore, they simply SEE it. Today's hero/heroines dance at every opportunity. And that influence spreads…

Earlier when we went to a sangeet [a music ceremony before a wedding] there was a just a drum and some natural singing and dancing. Today, there are entire choreographed shows. The bride, bride's mum, even grandmother go to learn dancing for the big day!

What then would you consider a good song?

When words, music and situation come together harmoniously, you get a good song. A good song must touch the heart, must make you laugh, must make you weep. We used to listen to the best of Hindi and Urdu poetry, to understand the nuances.

Look at the words now: Dus Bahane Karke Le Gaye Dil [My heart was taken away with ten excuses]; Teri Nani Mari To Main Kya Karoon [What can I do if your grandma dies?]. You can't listen to these songs, you can only laugh at them.

Who is your favourite music director today?

You tell me [Asha smiles and won't give in to persuasion].

Fine then, who was your favourite music director/s in the past?

My all time favourite is Madan Mohan, O.P. Nayyar, Shankar-Jaikishen, R.D. Burman. He [Burman] was the last man standing. He taught me how to throw my voice. Those days we had to do marathon recording sessions, the entire song recorded at one sitting. Today, you can take a break after every word, if you want.

How was it singing with Brett Lee for your album Asha and Friends?

I knew Brett sang and had a band. He met me in Sydney and wanted to sing with me. So we sang this song. It was a love song, so we both started laughing. But we did okay at the end.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on a tribute album to Geeta Dutt [famous singer-actress] and also singing with Ghulam Ali [ghazal maestro]. I've also just recorded two songs with Robbie Williams.

3 of Asha Bhosle's all-time favourite songs

Aaja Re Pardesi – Lata Mangeshkar
Woh Mere Dil Ke Chain – Kishore Kumar
Beqarar Karke – Hemant Kumar

Reality bites

Asha Bhosle has been a judge at a popular television talent hunt. Do they work in promoting music?

"They are good shows, but their formats are not perfect. If you have judges there, count their votes only, let them have the final say. Today's kids sing well and confidently. But why are they made to sing songs that have been sung already by a Kishore [Kumar], a Rafi [Mohammad) and a Lata [Mangeshkar]? Let them be trained in original songs. Let their own talent be expressed," she said.

Match factor

Asha Bhosle has sung for every heroine in Hindi filmdom, from Madhubala to Isha Koppikar. She feels her voice best suits:
Madhubala
Rekha
Madhuri Dixit

In Dubai

Asha Bhosle will be performing at the concert Three Legends, One Legacy … Salaam India, brought to Dubai on Friday, January 25, by Oberoi Middle East Events.

She will be accompanied by fellow legends Yesudas and S.P. Subramaniam.

Part of the Indian Consulate's celebrations marking 60 years of Indian independence, entry to the concert at Dubai Tennis Stadium is by invitation only.