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Kavita Krishnamurthy Remembers Asha Bhosle: A Personal Homage to a Constant Companion
The passing of the legendary Asha Bhosle has left an irreplaceable void in the world of music, but her influence continues to resonate through the voices she inspired. Renowned singer Kavita Krishnamurthy, who shared both the stage and the recording studio with the icon, reflects on the profound impact Ashaji had on her life and career. From being a shy aspirant awestruck by her presence to becoming a colleague and friend, Kavita’s journey with the legendary singer was filled with moments of mentorship, warmth, and mutual respect. Here, she shares a heartfelt first-person account of the lessons learned and the cherished memories of an era defined by the legendary sisters.
In Kavita’s own words…
“In my childhood days, the radio was a constant companion. Anytime a favourite song was played, I would stop and let the enchantment transport me to a different world. One such song was Kali Ghata Chhaye Mora from Sujata (1959). It was then that I became aware of Ashaji’s greatness, her resonant voice, perfect pitching, clear diction, and every word expressed beautifully. Every song of hers in her long career is perfect.
The very first film recording I ever attended was Ashaji’s song Lo Aayee Hai Jawani from Pehchan (1970). It was recorded in Famous Studio at Tardeo. I went along with Hemaji’s mother, Jaya Chakravarthy. I was awestruck watching Ashaji’s impeccable singing.
I had the honour of singing four duets with her: three for Pancham da and one for Jagjit Singhji. In her presence, I was quite tongue-tied and shy. She was too big an artist for me, and the moments of facing the mic with her were fairly nerve-racking!
The first time in the studio, she must have been aware that I was extremely nervous. To break the ice, she smiled at me and said, ‘Ye suit tumne kahan se khareeda? Bahut accha hai.’ I probably mumbled back an answer, but then I relaxed and sang. That song was Ek Haseen Lakhon Mein from Karishmaa (1984).
Then, in the mid-eighties, one late evening, I got a call from her. I picked up the phone, and the lady said, ‘Tumne ye gana, Us Kashti Ka (song from the movie Uttar Dakshin, 1987), bahut accha gaya hai.’ I said, ‘Thank you. Aap kaun bol rahee hain?’ She said, ‘Asha.’ As I couldn’t believe that it would be Ashaji complimenting me, I said, ‘Asha kaun?’ She laughed and said, ‘Mujhe laga ek hi Asha hai.’ I was so stunned that I murmured my apology and gratitude.
Later on, as the years passed, I would meet her at public functions. She was always very affectionate and friendly. She was very happy when I married. She said, ‘Tumne accha kiya shaadi kar li. Tumhare husband bahut bade musician hain.’
I feel blessed to have lived in an era where I could meet and sing with both the legendary sisters. Ashaji may have physically gone, but she will be a constant companion in every way. According to me, the lessons on life to learn from Asha Bhosle are: How to keep your personal troubles away when entering a studio or stage to sing. Keeping a positive and smiling face despite having gone through personal tragedies. Standing erect and staying fit, proving that age is just a number. And finally, at any age, practice music and work hard.
Pranaams to this great lady.
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