Sonu Nigam Shares Touching Memories of Late Legend Asha Bhosle
Renowned playback singer Sonu Nigam recently shared poignant and heartfelt memories of the late legendary vocalist Asha Bhosle, following her passing on April 12 at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital at the age of 92. His emotional recollections highlight a deeply personal moment from their 1996 concert tour in the United States, where he alleviated her discomfort from a painful heel spur through a simple hand treatment.
The Heel Spur Incident During the 1996 USA Tour
As reported by media outlets, during their joint tour in 1996, Asha Bhosle experienced significant discomfort due to a heel spur, a condition involving a bony growth on the heel bone. Sonu Nigam, familiar with the issue because his mother had suffered from it, offered to help. "At that time, there was a spur in her heel. My mother had it too, so I knew how to treat it with my hands. She couldn't stand properly. I told her I know how to fix it. After a few shows, I went to her room and massaged her feet and she got better," he recounted.
The massage provided quick relief, allowing her to perform more comfortably in subsequent shows. This act of kindness left a lasting impression on Asha Bhosle, who would often remind Sonu Nigam of it in later years. "She would keep asking me, 'Do you remember, you massaged my feet there?' And I would say yes, because I had seen my mother go through the same thing. It's like a bone thorn in the heel, caused by calcium overgrowth or something like that," he shared, noting how much the gesture meant to her.
Early Association and Joint Performances
Sonu Nigam's association with Asha Bhosle began earlier in 1996 at a wedding in Mumbai, where she invited him to sing despite having a sore throat. "In the beginning of 1996, I performed with her for the first time in Mumbai at Rishi Shah's son's wedding. She had a sore throat and asked me to sing her iconic song 'Jhoothe Naina Bole' with her. She didn't need me; she was a great singer, but she still asked me to be a part of her singing. That meant a lot," he recalled.
Their bond strengthened during the June 1996 American tour with Amit Kumar, where Asha Bhosle even cooked rice for him in Vancouver, creating cherished memories for the young singer.
Heartfelt Tribute on Social Media
Following her demise, Sonu Nigam posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, accompanied by photos of him washing her feet on stage and touching her feet on another occasion. He wrote, "Curtain down on one of the greatest ever crooners of all time. The last standing warrior of the pioneering era of Indian film music has called it quits today and bid her final goodbye to us all. She lived a full life, destined for extreme vicissitudes and challenges leading to exceptional greatness. She touched the lives of billions over multiple decades through her music and effervescence. An artiste who inspired us all through her zeal for riyaz till the end of her life."
He added, "Asha Ji, I will always remember the journey I have had with you from 1994, when I first met and sang with you, through our last concert with each other in Dec 2024, till our last two duets together last year, with absolute joy and pride. All I can say is Chale to gaye ho par, dil abhi bhara nahin. See you on the other side."
Legacy of Collaborations
Their professional collaborations included memorable songs such as 'Kambakth Ishq' from the film 'Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya' and 'Tere Dil Ke Paas' from 'Hindustan Ki Kasam', among many others. These duets showcased their vocal synergy and contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian film music, leaving an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
