Shabana Azmi remembers Asha Bhosle’s fearless spirit: ‘She had a desire to take risks’

Ashaji [Bhosle] has been my most favourite singer of all times. Unki aawaz mein jo rass aur shararat hai, it’s unmatched. Ab ke aiyo barkha bidesi from Namkeen (1982) — I listen to it every single day, and each day I discover something new. Paens will continue to be written about her. Her voice will remain immortal, but what I will cherish is the memories she has left behind for us. 

What I admire most is her gumption, fearlessness, and desire to take risks and push her own parameters. My favourite song of Ashaji is Ab ke aiyo barkha bidesi from Gulzar saab’s movie that was picturised on me. I was relieved I didn’t have to lip-sync to it because I would never have been able to emote the nuances of her singing even if I had tried 200 times! We spent a lot of time together during Covid-19 in Khandala, and she would never make a fuss when we asked her to sing. Such a sport with a strong zest for life!