Asha Bhosle's Fond Memories of Kolhapur Childhood
While Asha Bhosle was born in Sangli, she always considered Kolhapur her cherished childhood town, recalling it as a place of joy and freedom distinct from her siblings' experiences. After their father, Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, passed away, the family, including mother and children, moved to Kolhapur. This relocation marked a pivotal period where Lata Mangeshkar began gaining recognition for her theatre singing, supported by Master Vinayak, a friend of their father.
Lata Mangeshkar's Protective Role and Asha's Education
Lata Mangeshkar, who never had formal schooling herself due to early responsibilities, was determined that her younger sister Asha receive an education. She enrolled Asha in the Bhakti Seva Vidyapeeth Highschool on Mahadwar Road, near the famous Mahalaxmi temple. The family resided in Kolhapur from 1942 to 1947, during which Asha attended this school.
In a past interview, Lata shared a poignant memory from Sangli: "One day, I took Asha to my school. She was eight-nine months old. I was carrying her on my lap. The Class teacher asked me not to bring babies to class. I got angry thinking how a teacher could ask the daughters of Deenanath Mangeshkar not to come to school. I rushed back home and told my mother that I don't want to go to school. I was then tutored at home," she recounted, highlighting her protective nature towards Asha.
Asha Bhosle's School Days and Musical Inclinations
During the filming of a documentary on her life in 1988, Asha Bhosle revisited her old school in Kolhapur. Though much of the school had been rebuilt, the original classroom where she studied nearly 40 years prior still stood. Reflecting on her time there, she said, "This is my school. There is a new building now, but this one is old, and this is my class. I was very young. I learned so many good things here. I was very naughty and always singing. I was a singing star at that young age."
She described how teachers would often invite her to perform: "So many teachers used to call me to their class, and ask me to sing and dance. Our teacher, Mr Mahajan, he always angry with me. He always told everyone: ‘She always sings in the class and plays tabla. She is not a good student.' But that time was very beautiful. I wish I could go back to childhood."
Family Life and Financial Struggles in Kolhapur
The Mangeshkar family lived in a rented one-room upper storey section of the two-storied Karekar Wada near Khari Corner. Initially, a landlord demanded Rs 15 in rent, which was burdensome for the family. Upon hearing of their difficulties, Hirabai and Lakshman Karekar intervened, reducing the rent to Rs 10 after discussions. Asha fondly remembered running through narrow lanes from Mirajkar Tickti to their home to prevent her ice-cream from melting.
Milind Yadav, an activist and son-in-law of Olympian Dinkarrao Shinde, shared additional insights: "The siblings used to visit the house of Madhavrao Shinde, who was also into theatre. Madhavrao Shinde's mother used to bathe the sisters, oil and comb their hairs," illustrating the close-knit community support they received. The Mangeshkars maintained ties with the Karekars even after achieving fame, visiting their house multiple times.
These memories paint a vivid picture of Asha Bhosle's formative years in Kolhapur, blending personal anecdotes with the broader context of her family's resilience and the nurturing environment that shaped her early musical talents.
