Mahesh Kodiyal on directing Asha Bhosle's debut film Mai: ‘While recording the song, I found my actress in her’

(L-R) Director Mahesh Kodiyal briefing Asha Bhosle during ‘Mai’ shoot. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Asha Bhosle's penchant for reinvention was never quite restricted to singing. At 79, the veteran singer expanded her art and made her acting debut with the Hindi film, Mai (2013), directed by Mahesh Kodiyal. When mid-day reached out to the director, currently based in Las Vegas, he expressed his sadness at the passing of the legend. "It's shattering news. Having Ashaji in my film was a milestone in my life," he said.

Casting Bhosle as an Alzheimer's patient in the Padmini Kolhapure-starrer was an unusual choice. Was it the director's gut feeling that led him to cast her instead of an actor? Almost, said Kodiyal, adding, "In the concept stage, I wove in a lullaby to be sung by Ashaji. On the day of recording it, while I was narrating the song's situation to her, I realised that I had discovered my actress in my singer. Ashaji's enthusiasm and passion during the workshop and shooting were unmatched. Her dedication to match or outdo her co-stars was extraordinary."

Asha Bhosle and Sachin Tendulkar. Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

The late singer's sincerity extended to her acting too. Recalling his fondest memory with her, Kodiyal shared, "For a scene where I had to film Ashaji in torrential rain, she sat patiently in drenched clothes through several retakes without complaining. After the shot was okayed, she was shivering. Yet, she asked me if I wanted a retake. I couldn't resist touching her feet [seeing] her dedication."