Asha Bhosle's Unannounced Goa Visits: A Blend of Devotion, Cuisine, and Music
Panaji: She entered every space as Padma Vibhushan awardee Asha Bhosle, celebrated as one of India's most prolific and versatile vocalists. However, her journeys to Goa were always unannounced—undertaken as a devoted follower of Lord Manguesh, an ardent admirer of Goan cuisine, and as a daughter honoring her Goan-origin father, the master of Natya Sangeet, Deenanath Mangeshkar.
Final Visits and Spiritual Moments
Bhonsle's last known visit to Goa occurred in 2024, where she explored restaurants and the homes of friends, indulging in the finest Goan fish meals. In 2022, she surprised devotees by entering the Shree Manguesh temple in Mangueshi, Ponda, to offer prayers. After circumambulating the deity, she spontaneously broke into the Marathi abhang "Mogara Phulala", a 13th-century composition by Sant Dnyaneshwar about divine love.
"It was Asha tai's last visit to the Mangueshi temple. She possibly knew it. She entered with great difficulty, calling me to arrange assistance at the stairs, as she couldn't manage the climb. Her instinctive song surprised everyone present," recounted family friend Anup Priolkar.
Bhonsle had often shared in interviews that she dreamt of the Mangueshi temple before ever visiting it. "She openly expressed her deep devotion to Lord Manguesh, crediting it for helping her navigate life's toughest phases," Priolkar added.
Culinary Passions and Personal Connections
During the 2024 monsoon, Bhosle returned to Goa for a food-tasting spree, stopping at the Campal-Panaji home of renowned Goan Hindustani classical vocalist Pravin Gaonkar. "Mackerel and lady fish were her favorites. She loved Goa's weather, environment, and peace, but especially its cuisine. Her surprise visits often included discussions on food and recipes, and she'd personally visit markets to take dried fish home," Gaonkar told TOI.
Despite her limited Konkani proficiency—her father passed away when she was young, and her sister Lata Mangeshkar was more fluent—Bhosle sang in 18 languages. She popularized several Konkani songs, such as 'Bhuierantlo Munis' for a 1977 film and 'Channeachi Rati'.
Musical Legacy and Lasting Impact
"More recently, she touched hearts with songs in filmmaker Rajendra Talak's Konkani album 'Dharyachya Deger'. Goa remained a significant part of her life," said advertising professional Kedar Dhume, who conducted one of her last telephone interviews in March before her passing.
Gaonkar noted, "Above all, she loved staying positive and cracking jokes, never letting personal tragedies change that. During her final visit, she promised to return for the 'Swara Manguesh' program, held annually in honor of her father."
