Sukhwinder Singh Remembers His Final Musical Exchange with Asha Bhosle
Renowned playback singer Sukhwinder Singh, celebrated for his iconic tracks 'Chaiyya Chaiyya' and 'Chak De! India', has revealed poignant details about his last conversation with the legendary Asha Bhosle, who passed away on Sunday, April 12, at the age of 92. The music icon breathed her last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai due to multi-organ failure following a cardiac arrest.
A Conversation Steeped in Music
In an exclusive interview with Mid-Day, Sukhwinder Singh, who shared a close bond with the veteran singer, recalled speaking with Bhosle approximately 10 to 12 days before her demise. "I spoke to her on the phone 10-12 days before she passed away. She was singing even then and was also asking me to sing something. There was no other conversation," Singh disclosed, emphasizing that their twenty-minute dialogue was entirely focused on musical exchange.
He elaborated on the nature of their interaction, stating, "'How are you?' she would just ask that much. 'How are things? Are you okay?' That was it. After that, there was a 20-minute conversation where she was singing something and asking me to sing something. But what could I sing in front of her? But I would sing so that her heart would feel lighter."
A Life Defined by Seven Notes
Sukhwinder Singh painted a vivid picture of Asha Bhosle's unwavering dedication to her craft, noting that her entire existence revolved around music. "Every time I met her, she never talked about the world; she only talked about music. Her wealth, her popularity, her empire—everything was contained within the seven notes. I never saw her outside that circle of seven notes, she lived within them," he expressed, highlighting her profound connection to the art form.
The Therapeutic Power of Asha Bhosle's Voice
Singh also reflected on the healing quality of Bhosle's vocals, describing her as the epitome of versatility. "Asha ji is the art of versatility. Such versatility has never been heard before. Making a beautiful attempt in songs, which even good singers realize how difficult it is, she did in live recordings. And people will always love this voice. Her singing could remove someone’s fatigue. Her singing could bring someone out of a serious problem," he told the outlet, underscoring the emotional and therapeutic impact of her performances.
Asha Bhosle's Illustrious Career
Asha Bhosle's musical journey began at the tender age of 10, with her first recording, 'Chala Chala Nav Bala', for the 1943 Marathi film 'Majha Bal'. Over a career spanning nearly eight decades, she amassed an extraordinary legacy, recording more than 12,000 songs in over 20 languages. Her repertoire includes timeless classics such as:
- 'Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar'
- 'In Ankhon Ki Masti'
- 'Dil Cheez Kya Hai'
- 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja'
- 'Duniya Mein Logon Ko'
- 'Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main'
Her final rites are scheduled for 4 p.m. today, April 13, at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Mumbai, marking the end of an era in Indian music.
