We are seeking inspiration from the real-life story of one of the finest artists, Asha Bhosle: From a professional struggle to an abusive husband to finding love and losing it again, Asha Bhosle never gave up on her life.
Ahsa Bhosle is the melodious voice behind some of the all-time hit songs like Parde Me Rehne Do, Chura Liya Hai, Ude Jab-Jab Zulfein Teri, and Zara Sa Jhoom Lu Mein. But, when she started working in the industry, all the dejected songs would fall in her lap. She never got bogged down by this. Rather she took every offer that knocked on her door and turned it into her favor. But, her journey to become a successful superstar was anything but easy.
She was only 9 years old when she moved to Kolhapur with her family following her father’s death. Along with her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha started earning money for the family by acting and singing in the films. Though Lata Mangeshkar was an established singer, Asha was still trying to prove herself. It was during her struggling days, Asha fell in love with the wrong person, which impacted her whole life.
Who Was Asha Bhosle’s First Husband: Ganpatrao Bhosle?
Asha was just 16-years-old when she married 31-year-old Ganpatrao Bhosle, who was Lata Mangeshkar’s secretary. Lata and the whole Mangeshkar family disowned Asha and cut off all ties with them. Asha’s marriage caused a rift between the sisters. But, after the birth of Asha’s son, Hemant, the Mangeshkar family accepted them. As the family ties were getting normal, Asha’s husband Ganpatrao was not in the favor of Asha’s closeness to her family, especially to her sister Lata.
As time passed by, Asha was a busy mother of three children while Lataji became one of the best singers of her time. Ganpatrao, being a greedy man, wanted Asha to earn more and more. During the 1950s, Ganpatrao not only troubled Asha but also prohibited her from meeting Lata. He not only started accusing Asha of infidelity but also started becoming violent during the fights.
No matter what Asha would do, her husband would profusely abuse her. It was in 1960, Ganpatrao kicked Asha and their three kids out of their house. Sadly, he even didn’t allow Asha to take anything with her.
But rather than being broken by this turning point, Asha started focusing on her career to give the best life to her 3 kids. Separating from her abusive and toxic husband was the best thing that happened to her. She gave hits after hits and reached new heights.
Finding Love Again
Among her huge fans was Rahul Dev Burman. R.D. Burman used to often accompany his father to his studio. It was there that R.D. Burman saw Asha Bhosle for the first time. He was completely in awe of the lady and even asked for her autograph.
In 1966, Burman married Rita Patel but got divorced in 1971. On various incidents, R.D. Burman collaborated with Asha. Their common love for music brought them closer. And, within some time, Burman, who six years younger than Asha, proposed to her. But, heartbroken by the memories of her toxic marriage, she refused to accept his proposal. But, after a lot of persuasions, Asha agreed to marry him, and the couple tied the knot in the 1980s.
Not only Asha and Burman were ruling the music industry as its first couple, they loved each other deeply. Their bond was based on mutual understanding, respect, and love. But, the couple separated in the late 1980s because of Burman’s alcoholism and unstoppable cigarette smoking. But, the separation didn’t stop their admiration for each other. They would often meet and spend quality time together.
In 1994, when Asha received a phone call from Burman’s servant about her husband’s bad health, she rushed to his place with her elder son and got Burman hospitalized. Burman breathed his last breath on January 4, 1994. On that very day, Asha broke into pieces as she lost the man who loved her the way she always dreamt off.
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After Burman’s death, Asha once again pulled herself up and made a comeback with Rangeela, where she lent her voice to a very young Urmila Matondkar. Post that, she worked on various other Bollywood projects and released a few singles as well.
At IFORHER, we are in awe of Asha Bhosle’s courage and determination. It is inspiring how Asha fought her life circumstances to create a life of dignity for herself and her kids. On her birthday, we want to thank her for inspiring many of us to fight our life circumstances to create a life that we deserve!
