Odisha Joins Global Mourning for Legendary Playback Singer Asha Bhosle
The state of Odisha united with millions of fans worldwide in grieving the loss of the iconic playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose versatile voice has been a cornerstone of Indian music for decades. Her passing has sparked heartfelt tributes, particularly highlighting her unique and impactful connection to the Odia music industry, which she helped elevate to national prominence.
A Significant Bond with Odia Cinema
During her illustrious career, Asha Bhosle forged a small yet profoundly significant link with Odia cinema. According to film historian and author Surya Deo, she lent her voice to approximately six Odia films. In a remarkable instance, the 1968 film 'Arundhati' featured all three Mangeshkar sisters—Lata, Asha, and Usha—performing playback, a rare occurrence in regional film history.
Unveiling Her Odia Debut and Hit Songs
Contrary to popular belief that her Odia journey began with 'Samaya', Asha's first Odia song was actually 'Rasia Re' from 'Arundhati', composed by Santanu Mohapatra. This film included eight songs, but Asha's contribution was unfortunately removed when the film was shortened. Years later, in 1975, she delivered the cabaret-style hit 'Jhimi Jhimi Ta Maaja Dakile Na Chhadibu' for 'Samaya', with music by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Bhubaneswar Mishra, which became immensely popular.
Personal Connections and Lasting Impressions
Actor Babushaan shared a personal anecdote, noting that his mother acted in the film 'Topaye Sindura Dipata Shankha', where Asha sang the hit song 'Moina Moina'. He emphasized that Asha Bhosle is often the first name recalled when discussing female playback singing in India, admired for her incredible vocal range. In 1981, she sang 'Jahna Go Tume Jhurana' from 'Arati', and later recorded 'Mu Hajichi' for the unreleased film 'Sandhya Tara'.
Final Contributions and Broader Impact
Her last Odia film song was 'To Na re Pindhili Sadhi' from the 1992 film 'Maa', composed by her husband R D Burman. National Award-winning filmmaker Sabysachi Mohapatra, who once met Asha in Mumbai, praised her unmatched versatility, stating that her songs were an inseparable part of his generation's lives. Beyond film music, Asha also recorded devotional tracks, including a Sambalpuri song 'Uansa Andhare Nai Desi Sina' for the film 'Chinni' and the Jagannath bhajan 'Manimaa' in 2017, which she took on after Lata Mangeshkar was unavailable.
A Modern Tribute During Challenging Times
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Asha Bhosle, along with her granddaughter Zanai and Shankar Mahadevan, performed the state anthem 'Bande Utkala Janani', dedicating it to Odisha's frontline workers. She expressed on social media that this song, composed by Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy, was a tribute to the brave people of Odisha fighting the virus, highlighting her enduring emotional connection to the state.
The film fraternity in Odisha remembers Asha Bhosle not only for her musical genius but also for bringing credibility and national attention to regional compositions, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations.
