I vividly remember Asha Bhosle arriving for the recording of Pyar ki kasam hai and asking where the music director was. Someone pointed me out. In those days, I wore my hair in two pigtails, and she exclaimed, “Oh my God, she’s a bacchi!” I immediately touched her feet, and she said, “Alright, teach me the song.” I froze. “How can I sing in front of you?” I asked. But she insisted, saying she needed to understand what the music director expected of her. So I sang and she was delighted. She even remarked how wonderful it was to see a woman music director emerging in the industry after such a long time.

We truly hit it off after that, and she went on to sing many songs for me. The soundtrack of Dil Deke Dekho (1959) became a sensation, with numbers like Bade hain dil ke kaale gaining immense popularity.

Our relationship deepened over the years. I recall one recording session with her and Mohammed Rafi. She was in the middle of a take when she suddenly stopped and called me over, asking rather sharply why I had made a face. I explained that I hadn’t, it was just that a particular line needed to be broken differently. She immediately said I should have told her earlier, and then delivered the line exactly as I had imagined. Rafi saab, however, was a bit miffed since it meant redoing the song. Ashaji, after all, usually wrapped up recordings in one or two takes after thorough rehearsals.

I especially loved the song she sang for me in Hawas (1974), Aao yaaron, which was picturised on Rekha. The sheer colour and vibrancy she brought to every song were remarkable. She had a robust, warm personality, and it reflected in everything she did. She would often ask me how I instinctively chose the right songs for her. Another favourite of mine is Kabhi apne ho jaaye bewafa from Souten (1983).

In those days, I was married, and I would sometimes confide in her about family matters. She always listened patiently and offered thoughtful advice. We didn’t get to talk much during recordings, though, she was incredibly busy, often juggling two or three sessions a day. Getting her to sing for a project was always a big moment.

I last met her in 2024, when she recorded a song for one of my private albums, Pyar Ke Bas Do Naam… Ek Radha Ek Shyaam. The song is yet to be released, but it’s a beautiful composition and I’m sure listeners will love it. Little did I know that would be our final meeting. My health hasn’t been the best either, so I rarely meet people these days.

Also Read: Adnan Sami talks about his connection with Ashaji Bhosle

Actor Mumtaz offered a deeply personal glimpse into Asha Bhosle’s final farewell by sharing a video from the singer’s funeral, a moment that has since resonated widely online.

The clip captures the quiet, heavy atmosphere of the ceremony, as close friends, family members and members of the film industry gathered to pay their last respects.

The caption this story is based on appears alongside the video, where Mumtaz simply wrote, “You will be missed,” letting the visuals carry the emotional weight of the moment. Rather than a detailed tribute, the restraint in her words mirrors the tone of the video itself, subdued, intimate and reflective.

The footage does not attempt to dramatize the occasion. Instead, it focuses on the stillness of grief, showing mourners standing together in silence as they bid goodbye to one of Indian music’s most iconic voices. In doing so, the post becomes less about public mourning and more about a personal, shared loss.

Mumtaz and Asha Bhosle shared a long-standing association that extended beyond their professional lives, making the post feel especially significant. By choosing to share a moment from the funeral, Mumtaz brings audiences closer to a farewell that would otherwise remain private.

Asha Bhosle, who passed away at 92, leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations of music in India. Her voice, versatility and longevity made her one of the most celebrated playback singers in the country.

Priyanka Chopra has shared a new photo dump on Instagram, offering a glimpse into her recent days through a mix of candid and behind-the-scenes moments. Captioned “Some here.. some there..,” the post brings together snapshots from different parts of her routine.

The carousel opens with a mirror selfie that appears to be taken in a prep or recovery setting, hinting at the physical demands of her work. Dressed in activewear with support gear, the image reflects a more focused, behind-the-scenes moment.

The post then shifts to personal frames, including a sweet moment with her daughter Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, adding a softer, intimate touch. Another image shows Priyanka during a flight with close companions, capturing a more relaxed side.

A standout frame features her enjoying time in the water with family, rounding off the post on a light, candid note.

With a minimal caption, the visuals take centre stage, making the photo dump feel spontaneous yet curated.