Mumbai, February 16, 2025: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle recently reminisced about her bond with her late husband, R.D. Burman, sharing heartfelt anecdotes about his humility and their affectionate relationship.
In an interview on Couple of Things with RJ Anmol and Amrita Rao, Bhosle spoke about Burman’s grounded nature despite his immense success. She recalled that he never saw himself as a ‘great’ music director and remained unaffected by fame.
“He didn’t even know how big he was. He made music, but he had no ego about it. People chase money, but if I gave him a diamond, he would say, ‘What is this? A stone? Instead, get a good song recorded.’ That record was more valuable to him than a diamond.”
Bhosle also shared how they had unique pet names for each other. Initially, she called him ‘Pancham’, his industry nickname, but after she sang a song titled Babua, he began addressing her as ‘Bab’. However, in public, he always referred to her formally as “Asha.”
Reflecting on his absence, she admitted that performing on stage without him has been emotionally challenging:
“In the studio, it was easier. But now, he’s not there. On stage, emotions take over. The throat chokes, the voice trembles. Memories come flooding back—those nights, those letters, those roses by the pillow. The audience connects too, reliving their own past.”
At 91, Bhosle says she has achieved all she wanted—seeing her children and grandchildren happy. However, she still has one final wish:
“My only wish now is to die while singing. I have sung my whole life, starting classical music at the age of three. It has been 82 years of playback singing. Now, my only desire is that my last breath be taken while I am singing. That would make me the happiest. I can’t live without music.”
Asha Bhosle and R.D. Burman married in 1980, their second marriage for both. Burman was captivated by her voice and pursued her for years. Together, they created iconic soundtracks for films like Ijaazat and Saagar, along with numerous Bengali hits.
Despite separating in the late 1980s due to Burman’s changing lifestyle, their bond remained strong. Even during difficult times, they shared deep mutual respect and love until Burman’s passing in 1994.
Even today, Bhosle keeps his memory alive through her music, ensuring that the magic they created together remains timeless.
