We loved Asha Bhosle because she sang songs that we believed we could sing too.
I have heard my friends try singing “Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko” and “Dum Maro Dum”. Sometimes after drinking a peg or two to gain confidence, but often without. They couldn’t pull it off, but they thought they did.
None of my friends ever tried singing Lata Mangeshkar’s “Raina Beeti Jaaye” or “Oh Sajna Barkha Bahaar Aayi”. We knew such songs were out of our league.
Asha Bhosle started in the shadow of her elder sister. She had a very difficult first marriage - a love marriage at the age of 16 when she eloped against her family’s wishes. She had to return to her maternal home later.
But she found a way back to build a long and successful career full of variety and fun. I am happy for her that she led a full life.