Asha Bhosle - A Lifestory

A name that everyone knows from the best years of Hindi movies, this singer is likely India's most famous and skilled playback singer. Her career, lasting over eighty years, shows her amazing talent and lasting fame. Born on September 8, 1933, she started singing when she was very young, performing with her older sister, the great Lata Mangeshkar. At first, she sang smaller parts, but her special voice, able to show many different feelings, quickly made her stand out. She sang for many important female characters in Bollywood movies, becoming a key sound of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and later. From the heartfelt songs of "O Mere Sone Sanam" (1957) in "Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi" to the lively songs in movies like "Teesri Manzil" (1966) and the romantic songs in "Umrao Jaan" (1981), she easily sang in many different musical styles. Working with great music directors like R.D. Burman, Madan Mohan, and Shankar Jaikishan, led to some of Bollywood's bestremembered songs. R.D. Burman once said, "She's magic. She can sing anything." Besides Bollywood, she sang many kinds of music, including ghazals, bhajans, and even Western pop. She's also a smart businesswoman, owning several restaurants. Her impact goes far beyond India; she has performed in many countries, winning many awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. She keeps inspiring new singers with her amazing talent and hard work.