By Chaitanya Padukone - Defying her age (86 years ‘young’),the evergreen,mellifluous melody-empress ( besides being a passionate foodie,international chain-restaurateur and an excellent cook ) Asha Bhosle seems totally in-sync with the ongoing troubled times . Where lakhs of people globally,have been compelled to stay-at-home or been asked to observe self-quarantine owing to the corona-health-scare.
Exuberant veteran playback-n-pop songstress Bhosle has been bestowed with contagious energy,an ever-youthful persona and voice that has mesmerised audiences transcending four generations. Now,Asha Bhosle is on YouTube with her channel ‘Asha Bhosle Official’ youthful original content,(shall we call them ‘quaran-tunes’ ?) although with a mild splash of spiritualism!
What motivated the legendary songstress to go the YouTube way? The legendary singer Asha Tai responds honestly. “Due to the present situation, like all of humanity, I’m confined at home. Sitting at home, with my grandkids and observing their net- savvy communication skills, a new world opened up for me. Over the years, I’ve been asked by many people to pen down my thoughts, experiences and emotions but I just didn’t have the time. Now, that I am at home, I decided to record my experiences of 86 years and maybe some of them may entertain people, make them think or just have a good time and a laugh.”
Stating that there is so much negativity around us, Asha Bhosle wants her YouTube channel to be a euphoric medium where with her infectious energy, she can lighten moods of Indians and NRIs. And of course, leave timeless works for the present and future generations that will have record of people she has worked with. “I thought YouTube would be a wonderful medium to chat with all my global friends out there sitting in remote, distant places.”
Zestful Zanai Bhosle, Asha Bhosle’s 18 year old grand daughter is her muse. “I am particularly fond of Zanai because she has got an artistic side. She is a song writer, singer, musician and classical Kathak dancer… she reminds me of myself and maybe that is why I feel so close to her. Though she is much younger than me, she sometimes says things from which I can learn and educate myself further. I like that.” So when Zanai started her YouTube channel, her youthful grandma watched her and got inspired.
“Sensing my enthusiasm, Zanai urged me on to have my own channel to record my life’s experiences.” Asha Bhosle is sure she is going to put down many stories of her life that can remain alive for posterity.
The maiden Asha B song ‘Main Hoon’ with globally revered spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, also reveals her spiritual side. “Sri Sri Ravishankarji is a wonderful person. I have known him for a while. It was a chance meeting in Cambodia when we both were enjoying the sites of Angkor Vat when I felt that he is different from other spiritual people or gurus that I have met. And when I heard the lyrics of the song and the wonderful composition, it brought a certain calm to my soul,” she expresses.
The versatile iconic singer Asha, released the tribute on Sri Srijis 64th birthday (13th May). “Now, I hope the listeners understand the spirituality behind the song,” she avers.
Asha Bhosle’s YouTube channel besides music will unravel interesting facets of her, replete with anecdotes. “There are so many memories that are lying dormant in my mind. I will bring them alive through YouTube and share it with my listeners.”
But there is still more. The adventurous Asha Bhosle promises to also introduce fresh new songs that viewers can enjoy. “There’s a short trailer on the YouTube channel that gives you a glimpse of what is in store. As we go along, it is going to be an interactive channel with a lot of content,” she reveals.
What kind of songs can we expect? “The past is gone. It’s history. I don’t delve nor live in the past. I forge ahead. So, my music too will be modern, fresh and new. Of course my past work will be represented through anecdotes et al, but I am all for new tunes, lyrics and songs,” the effervescent Bhosle enthuses as she signs off
