By Kavita Chhibber
I was talking earlier in the morning with Asha Bhosle ji’s son Anand. It’s her 92nd birthday today. We are finishing final edits on Anand and Zanai’s conversation with me. I wanted it published today because what children and grandkids think about her is more precious than all the material compensation and accolades a legend can receive.
But my earliest memories of Asha Ji begin listening to her voice as a child, growing up and then finally meeting her and Anand in 2001. Her candor, down to earth manner, her warmth, loyalty to Lata Ji and her family was so heartwarming.
Anand told me a story which you will see in the conversation that will give you an idea of how the same integrity and love for music runs in four generations as Zanai is spreading her wings to embrace music as her career, in spite of being an academic ace.
I feel Asha Ji deserves the Bharat Ratna. Her contribution to so many diverse genres of music and becoming a global icon is unmatched by most accomplished performers.
I mean most people don’t even live that long and here she is, still performing, still engaging, still a rebel and still keeping the curious child in her alive, well and learning… all at 92 years young!
My interview with her done in 2001 , still gets quoted. It is long and one of the most candid she has given.
I love her joi de vivre, and her positive energy! And that she has never ever spoken ill of anyone. And she answered all the controversial questions I asked with her usual candor.
Wishing Asha ji all the best, great health, a long life. And every abundance. I cannot end this without thanking her son Anand. He has supported her by giving up his career so she could tour and we could be in the audience seeing her perform live for decades.
He said to me when I thanked him, that it’s a two way stream. But I responded, mothers will always do things for their kids, but seeing a child reciprocate is extremely heart warming.
Thank you Anand and thank you for sharing your favorite pictures. I love sharing them here.
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