We have visited and enjoyed Asha Bhosle singing for the prominent actresses of the 50s and the 60s of Hindi cinema. Today let’s relish her solos with the prominent actresses of the 70s and the 80s.
I’m a bit late to present the list, it’s almost been more than a fortnight since my last list.
Asha Bhosle was perhaps more busy in the 70s than her earlier years. Her association with the composers of the golden era continued, while she also got associated with the new composers of the era. Except for her break-up with O P Nayyar, she was singing for the majority of the composers of Hindi cinema in the 70s.
Asha Bhosle by now was very popular among the young generations and with her breezy, youthful and energetic attitude, she moulded herself with the changing trends in Hindi cinema.
As I was going to restrict myself to the solos, I couldn’t include a few of the actresses, who perhaps had the majority of Asha Bhosle’s duets than solos.
Let’s start the list…..
1. Hema Malini –
Hema Malini is always regarded as the dream girl of Hindi films. She entered Hindi films in the late 60s and ruled the 70s and the 80s with her acting and dancing abilities. Asha Bhosle frequently sang for her, both solos and duets, contributing to her own screen image. For the list I chose a dance number,
Ta Thai Tat Thai – Tere Mere Sapne (1971) with Chorus / S D Burman – Neeraj
Hema Malini played a dancer in the movie and it was a supporting role. The song, a stage performance, was beautifully sung by Asha Bhosle with a good dance by Hema Malini. It was the initial period of her career.
2. Rakhi –
Rakhi made her Hindi film debut with Dharmendra in Jeevan Mrityu (1969). While both the Mangeshkar sisters had sung for her, it’s the elder sister, who sang more popular songs than the younger sister. While Rakhi lip-synched to Asha Bhosle’s voice in Rudali, I was looking for a song from the 70s and the 80s. So I chose,
Sajna Ke Saamne Main To – Paras (1971) with Chorus / Kalyanji Anandji – Qamar Jalalabadi
Rakhi, with her friends on a mountain, talks about her beloved. Not a particularly impressive song, though its rhythm and Asha Bhosle’s energetic rendition make it enjoyable. Here’s the link for the video.
3. Jaya Bhaduri –
Jaya Bhaduri debuted with Guddi (1971). She received playback by Asha Bhosle quite often. I was going to choose the film, Anamika (1973) where Asha Bhosle sang a couple of solos for her, one peppy number and one sad and soulful. But I remembered her solo from Deewar (1973) which was quite different from her usual onscreen image.
Chakku Chhuriyan Tez Karalo – Deewar (1973) / Kalyanji Anandji – Gulshan Bawra
The film, Zanjeer had Jaya Bhaduri in a different role. She played a knife sharpener, who’s advertising her skills and on the spot demonstrating the same. The knife she sharpens is no less than a sword. The sharpened knife looks like silver, that too in just ten paisa! Moreover she explains the advantages of carrying a knife by women, which helps them teach a very good lesson to teasing men. She gives an example of her own, where she brought a hoodlum to his senses with the knife she was carrying. Asha Bhosle adds life to the song, adding her own touch to it.
4. Neetu Singh –
Neetu Singh started as a child artist, Baby Sonia in the 60s to join as a main lead in the 70s. Her on screen pairing with Rishi Kapoor was liked by all and ultimately they married. Asha Bhosle sang for her solos and duets, perhaps the latter outnumbering the former, as I could recollect many duets. I chose a relatively lesser known solo, at least for me it wasn’t a popular song.
Jhootha Kahin Ka Mujhe – Jhootha Kahin Ka (1979) / R D Burman – Gulshan Bawra
A good song, it made me remember Jeena Kya Ajee Yaar Bina, picturised on the same pair. The song portrays a different scenario where a heroine teases the hero. Asha Bhosle aptly portrays the emotions.
5. Rekha –
Rekha was very popular in the 70s and the 80s and had a popular pairing with Amitabh Bachchan. The highest point of Asha Bhosle’s collaboration with Rekha was achieved when Rakha portrayed Umrao Jaan under the baton of Muzaffar Ali. Khayyam composed a few of my all time favorites with Asha Bhosle.
Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston – Umrao Jaan (1981) / Khayyam – Shaharyar
Asha’s solos for this movie achieved iconic status and rightly so. Asha Bhosle took extra efforts for the tone Khayyam planned from her. Though the romantic Mujra songs are more popular, I chose one of the soulful and sad ghazals, Asha Bhosle sang for the movie. Though by that time, Asha Bhosle was a legend already, she didn’t hesitate to put herself for the required rehearsals. The result was phenomenal!
6. Zeeman Aman –
The former Miss India joined films in 1970 and rose to fame with Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971) where she played Dev Anand’s younger sister and also won Filmfare award for the best actress in a supporting role for the film. She was one of the most popular actresses of the era, but had challenges in her personal life. Her on screen persona was that of a bold and beautiful lady, which was maintained throughout her career. Asha Bhosle sang a number of songs for her, many of which became very popular. I found myself choosing,
Khatuba – Alibaba Aur 40 Chor (1980) with Chorus / R D Burman – Anand Bakshi
Asha Bhosle was in her late 40s when she sang this vivacious number. Zeenat Aman played Fatima, who helps Alibaba’s mission to eliminate the bandits from the city. The song portrays a dance performance by Fatima to lure the members of the bandit’s team. To sing such kind of seducing songs without letting vulgarity pop in, was Asha’s forte. She excels in her expressions.
7. Paveen Babi –
The model turned actress was once very popular in the Hindi film industry and her peak was in the 70s. However, she was always in controversy and was reportedly diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Asha Bhosle sang a few of her career best popular songs, which I am adding here,
Jawani Janeman Haseen Dilruba – Namak Halal (1982) / Bappi Lahiri – Anjaan
One more iconic song by Asha Bhosle. The song’s catchy tune and rhythm, Asha’s seductive voice, Parveen Babi’s performance all add to the popularity of the song. And that priceless laughter by Asha Bhosle in the end of second interlude! Just so wonderful! The song still sounds magical, even after more than 40 years!
8. Sridevi –
Starting her career as a child artist to join as an adult main lead in the 70s and the 80s. She was praised for a variety of roles in the 80s and the 90s. Asha Bhosle sang a few of her popular songs. For the list I’ve an interesting song,
Main Sridevi Lagti Hoon – Naaka Bandi (1990) / Bappi Lahiri – Anjaan
I must confess that the songs of Himmatwala (1983) or Tohfa (1984), however popular, were not my cup of tea. I heard this one for the first time while researching for the post. I chose it particularly for Sridevi’s expressions, and Asha Bhosle’s energetic rendition. Asha Bhosle must be in her late 50s then. But the energy, enthusiasm and her expressions were still superb. She even delivers a few dialogues while singing. The song lyrics are interesting too. The first verse mentions a number of iconic heroines of the 50s and the 60s. And a few popular dialogues in the second verse. If you’re a Sridevi fan, you will like the song.
9. Jayaprada –
She is regarded as one of the most beautiful faces of Hindi cinema. She was a star in Telugu, Tamil films and received stardom in Hindi films as well. Her most popular pairing was with Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra. She received playback from the Mangeshkar sisters very often and for today’s list I’ve chosen,
De De Pyar De – Sharaabi (1984) / Bappi Lahiri – Anjaan
Though I don’t care much for the songs, I remember their popularity very well. The songs were almost ubiquitous during their release, and could be heard everywhere. Jayaprada, who played a dancer in the movie, sings the song and performs on it as it’s being recorded simultaneously. It was Asha’s only solo for the movie.
10. Smita Patil –
Smita Patil is regarded as one of the finest actresses of Indian cinema. She was equally active in popular and parallel Hindi films. We lost her too early, after a postpartum complication.
She made her mark in Marathi films as well, and the Mangeshkar sisters sang for her in both. I was a little confused about the song selection, but finally went for,
Zabaane Badalte Hain – Mandi (1983) / Vanraj Bhatia – Mir Taqi Mir
This film by Shyam Benegal was based on a story of a brothel run by a character named Rukmini bai, played by Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil played a classical singer, who sings at the place. The film had good songs composed by Vanraj Bhatia and this is a beautiful Mujra song by Asha Bhosle. It’s actually performed at a home function and not in a kotha.
11. Shabana Azmi –
Shabana Azmi shared the same flair as that of Smita Patil for her association with the parallel Hindi films. She too was prolific on both the fronts, winning a number of National film awards and Filmfare awards over her career spanning several decades. For today’s list I chose,
Ambar Ki Ek Paak Surahi – Kadambari (1976) Ustad Vilayat Khan – Amrita Pritam
Though the song is not lip synched by Azmi, it’s one of rare occasions for Ustad Vilayat Khan to compose for a Hindi film and one of Amrita Pritam’s poems being incorporated in a film. Asha’s rendition is as usual wonderful. It was not a commercially successful film, though its storyline does sound interesting.
12. Padmini Kolhapure –
Padmini Kolhapure is the niece of the Mangeshkar sisters. Starting her career as a child artist, she rose to heights of popularity in the 80s and won Filmfare award on several occasions. Both the Mangeshkar sisters sang for her. Most of her popular songs with Asha Bhosle are duets, but I finally chose,
Bin Bulaye Hum Chale Aaye – Ahista Ahista (1981) / Khayyam – Naqsh Lyallpuri
Though the film is remembered more for the beautiful duets by Asha Bhosle, this playful solo is a delight to watch and listen to. The song is full of romantic playfulness. Padmini pleading for his permission, mentioning herself uninvited, highlights the soft romantic teasing. Asha Bhosle maintains the tone effortlessly in the song. She was paired with Kunal Kapoor.
13. Reena Roy –
Making her debut in 1972, Reena Roy received acclaim for her roles throughout her popular career spanning around two decades. Her on screen pairing with Shatrughan Sinha was very popular, so was her on screen pairing with Jeetendra. After marriage she left India and went to Pakistan. But her completed films continued to release till the late 80s. I think my choice of song for today’s list is a bit obvious,
Kitne Bhi Tu Karle Sitam – Sanam Teri Kasam (1986) / R D Burman – Gulshan Bawra
Perhaps the male solo version by Kishore Kumar is more popular, but this female version is also one of my favourites by Asha Bhosle. If Kishore’s version is full of teasing and energetic, Asha Bhosle’s version is full of innocence and dedication to one’s beloved. And Reena Roy herself adds a charm and sweetness to the song.
14. Meenakshi Seshadri –
She entered Hindi films after winning a beauty pageant in the early 80s and achieved fame and success with Hero (1983). She was also an accomplished dancer. She continued her success story in the 80s and acted in a few movies in the 90s.
Gardish Mein Jab Jaam Aayenge – Shehenshah (1988) / Amar Utpal – Anand Bakshi
Asha Bhosle’s rendition is soulful and intense, perfectly capturing the mood of the song. The song gives unmistakable vibes of the 80s. I don’t think the song is in sync with Meenakshi Seshadri’s general on screen image. She however does it convincingly. Asha’s rendition is one of the main highlights of the song.
15. Amrita Singh –
She was one of the popular actresses of the 80s, whose debut film Betaab (1983) was a box office success. She continued acting till the early 90s by which time she had been accepting supporting roles as well. After her marriage to Saif Ali Khan, she quit films to concentrate on her family and kids. I heard the songs of Thikana for the first time, but liked it.
Ajnabi Koi Kabhi – Thikana (1987) / Kalyanji Anandji – Anjaan
I came across this song for the first time while researching for this post. Though it’s a club song (Amrita singh plays a dancer singer), it has a slow tempo and peaceful orchestration. The prominent instrument in the interludes seems to be saxophone, though it sounds a bit different. Amrita Singh had a sweet face and she was full of enthusiasm. Watching all these leading ladies in today’s era is a delight. They all had a substance.
While I wanted to add songs picturised on Poonam Dhillon, Neelam who were popular stars of the 80s, I was unable to get a popular solo by Asha Bhosle. To limit the number of songs, I didn’t add songs picturised on Rati Agnihotri, Zarina Wahab, Deepti Naval, and a few other actresses. Perhaps my limited knowledge of this era was a limiting factor.
Would you add a song keeping in mind the timeline?
Disclaimer –
Mehfil Mein Meri, claims no credit for any image, screenshots or songs posted on this site. Images on this blog are posted to make the text interesting. The images and screenshots are the copyright of their original owners. The song links are shared from YouTube, only for the listening convenience of music lovers. The copyright of these songs rests with the respective owners, producers and music companies.
