The amazingly melodious and iconic singer Asha Bhosle celebrates her birthday today on September 8. She has done playback singing for over a thousand Bollywood films as well as recorded private pop albums and collaborated with International artists as well. Asha was officially acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most recorded artist in music history in 2011. Apart from Hindi, she has sung in over 20 Indian and foreign languages. Apparently, she has sung more than 12,000 songs. However, her contribution to the Indian film industry will always be foremost and paramount.
As the versatile and legendary actress celebrates her 85th birthday today, here’s a look at 10 of her most famous and iconic songs that should be in every playlist.
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1.Piya Tu Ab to Aaja (Monica, Oh My darling)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcwNTdrJFMI
Asha was the first choice to sing a cabaret number back then. She gave voice to many such songs and made them popular with her versatility and spontaneity.
2.Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMI__UgwOJM
This Yaadon Ki Barrat song has stood the test of time and Asha’s melodious voice still resonates in every music lover’s ears.
3.Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VePyuLWBXhw
This duet song with Mohammad Rafi is from the Dilip Kumar and Vyjanthimala starrer Naya Daur and is a cult classic.
4.Kajra Mohabbat Wala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4nslI6zF_Q
Kajra Mohabbat Wala is probably the most famous and popular duet sung by two female vocalists. Asha paired up with Shamshad Begum in this amazingly beautiful song full of fun and frolic.
5.In Aankhon Ki Masti
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADKVUwj5uKI
Asha’s rendition of this beautiful track became the signature song of Rekha. Sung for the film Umrao Jaan in 1981, the song is still one of the most popular and well-known songs of the Indian cinema and will live be remembered forever. The song’s lyrics penned by Nida Fazli is still remembered as one of the best pieces of Urdu poetry incorporated in Indian cinema.
6.Abhi Na Jao Chod Kar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VlDX_U2PkI
Abhi Na Jao Chod Kar is a loveable duet sung by Asha and Mohammad Rafi from the film Hum Dono. The song is picturized on Dev Anand and Sadhana Shivdasasni.
7.Rangeela Re
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Km595k46rZY
Asha redefined herself when she gave voice to Urmila Matondkar in Ram Gopal Varma’s hit film Rangeela. The song was peppy, catchy and youthful and no one could realize that such a veteran and legendary singer is giving playback to such a young actress at the time.
8.Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJEfS2UA9hw
Asha went on to give playback for Kajol in the iconic and popular film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. The song was inhibited, crazy and euphoric and Asha did full justice to Kajol’s character who was supposed to be in an intoxicated and inebriated state in the song.
9.Le Gayi Le gayi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGZb1kv5zW0
Yash Chopra’s musical drama Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam had some wonderful songs but Asha’s Le Gayi Le Gayi that introduced Karisma’s character and was at the start of the film was the best. It became Karisma’s signature song and established her as one of the best dancers of her times effortlessly pitting her against Madhuri Dixit in the film.
10.Radha Kaise Na Jale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNnvL0ztJhA
Did you think that Asha had only cabaret numbers and peppy songs in her repertoire? She did full justice to the semi-classical bhajanesque song Radha Kaise Na Jale from Aamir Khan and Gracy Singh starrer Lagaan. She teamed up with Udit Narayan to bring forth this melodious song depicting the love between Lord Krishna and Radha.
