Entertainment / BUZZ: Our Favourite Asha Bhosle Songs From The 1950s To 2000s

BUZZ: Our Favourite Asha Bhosle Songs From The 1950s To 2000s

Entertainment Jun 28, 2015

by Rumnique Nannar

Chances are when you name your favourite Bollywood playback singers, it's usually a faceoff between Lata and Asha, Mohammed and Kishore, and Kumar and Udit. But Asha Bhosle beat out the stiff competition and was declared the greatest Bollywood playback singer by the U.K. newspaper the Eastern Eye. It's a decision we heartily agree with, so we decided to look back at her sterling career and list some of our favourite Asha Bhosle songs.

The 1950s

"Eena Meena Deeka" from Aasha (1957)

Bhosle sounds adorable in this song from Aasha that features some pretty crazy lyrics, making it the perfect ditty that never leaves your head.

"Chod Do Aanchal Zamana Kya Kahega" from Paying Guest (1957)

Bhosle always paired wonderfully with Kishore Kumar, who matched her improvisatory spirit, and this coquettish gem has so much chemistry.

The 1960s

"Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu" from Waqt (1965)

This mournful ballad from Yash Chopra’s first multi-star film showcased Bhosle’s amazing range and depth.

"O Mere Sona Re" from Teesri Manzil (1966)

Working with her future hubby RD Burman on this song, Bhosle always seemed at home in the early and emerging rock 'n' roll genre. Plus, check out Asha Parekh outdoing Shammi Kapoor with her romantic pursuit.

The 1970s

"Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja" from Caravan (1971)

This is perhaps one of Bhosle's best known songs, and a definite game-changer in terms of highlighting how sexy Bhosle could be with all that heavy breathing to go with Helen's frenzied dancing.
We were all gasping like Asha Parek throughout this sultry song.

"Dum Maro Dum" from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)

Despite its kitschy status, we forget how revolutionary this song was for Bhosle's career. Singing those anti-establishment lyrics, and drawling on "Dum," Bhosle took us away on a psychedelic trip.

The 1980s

"In Aankhon Ki Masti" from Umrao Jaan (1981)

The Umrao Jaan soundtrack is full of Bhosle gems, but this is one of our favourites because her restraint and subtlety let Shahryar's eloquent lyrics shine through.

"Oi Amma Oi Amma" from Mawaali (1983)

We had to list a "cheesy" song here. This feverish song was a precursor to Bappi Lahiri's "Ooh La La" from The Dirty Picture.
Kishore and Asha have tons of fun with these bawdy lyrics while Jeetendra and Jaya bounce about with their dance moves.

The 1990s

"Rangeela Re" from Rangeela (1995)

Urmila's debut launch was a dream combination: a stellar song by AR Rahman, iconic shoulder moves and Asha Bhosle's versatile and youthful voice.

"Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main" from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

How much do we wish we could sing like Asha Bhosle when we're as drunk as Kajol in this song? A lot!
Bhosle's commitment to slurring and drawling out the words as if she's drunk too is perfect.

The 2000s

"Radha Kaise Na Jale" from Lagaan (2001)

One of Bhosle's loveliest songs comes from her jealous tone and rapport with Udit Narayan in Lagaan.
Javed Akhtar's lyrics let Bhosle build up the childish hurt and resolution so wonderfully.

"Sharara Sharara" from Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai (2002)

While the film was mostly forgettable, this song emerged a winner with Bhosle's sexy delivery.
And who can forget those instantly imitated dance moves?

"Mujhe Rang De" from Takshak (2005)

Bhosle's rapid fire beats, along with the superb music stylings of AR Rahman this has already been destined to be a classic.

Are there any songs that you feel we missed? Let us know in the comments below!

Rumnique Nannar

Author

Rumnique Nannar is a new journalist with a passion for all things pop culture, film, and art. Rumnique was born in London, with a predilection for devouring English chocolate with her Vogue, ANOKHI, and Glamour magazines in tow. She is currently in her Journalism Masters at UBC. Connect ...

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