Asha Bhosle's voice echoes in timeless Nepali songs

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 14: The last rites of legendary singer Asha Bhosle were performed with full state honours at the Shivaji Park Crematorium in Mumbai on Monday.

According to Indian media sources, Bhosle passed away at Breach Candy Hospital due to multiple organ failure on Sunday at the age of 92, leaving a long void in the Indian music industry.

She was known for her incredible versatility, spanning over eight decades and recording more than 12,000 songs in 20 languages. She was most famous for her pioneering work in Bollywood, particularly bold cabaret numbers and romantic hits with composer R D Burman, and she holds the Guinness World Record for the most studio recordings.

Bhosle also made significant contributions to the Nepali music industry. Her association with Nepali music began in 1966 with the film ‘Maitighar.’

The song ‘Basantanai Yaha Basna Khojchha’ remains popular, with many reels and TikTok videos still being created using it. Penned by Kiran Kharel and composed by Jaidev, Bhosle lent her voice to this heartfelt song.

She sang with Narayan Gopal in a song featured in the film ‘Chino,’ which remains equally popular among Nepali audiences. The music was composed by Ranjit Gazmer, with lyrics by Kusum Gazmer.

She also sang songs such as ‘Saune Jharima,’ with music by Ranjit Gazmer and lyrics by Kusum Gazmer. Another notable collaboration with Narayan Gopal is ‘Pahadko Mathi Mathi’ from the film ‘Chino.’

In numerous songs such as ‘Mohani Laagla Hai,’ ‘Pahadko Mathi Mathi Ghumdai Udera,’ ‘Kina Badhdai Cha Dhukdhuki Mutuko,’ and ‘Gairi Khetko Shirai Hanyo,’ she sang with such precision that it never felt as though they were performed by someone from a different linguistic background.

Her voice has found a place in the audiences' hearts through dozens of Nepali songs, including ‘Mirmire Sanjhama,’ ‘Euta Manchhe Man Parchha,’ ‘Yeti Dherai Maya Diyau,’  ‘Aaja Hamro Bhet Bhako Din,’  ‘Ko Hola Mero Mayalu,’  ‘Saune Jharima,’ ‘Timro Manma Lukeko Kura,’  ‘Timi Mero Ma Timro,’ and ‘Timro Aankhako Sagarma,’  among many others.

Her duet songs, especially with the legendary Narayan Gopal, were particularly popular. 

She collaborated with artists such as Ranjit Gazmer, Shambhujeet Baskota, Kusum Gazmer, Tulsi Ghimire, Kiran Kharel, and Yadav Kharel on many songs.