In a memorable event held at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium in Vile Parle, the music and film industry converged to honor the iconic Asha Bhosle with the grand launch of the book ‘SVARSVAMINI ASHA.’ The gathering, which took place to celebrate the legendary singer’s unparalleled contribution to Indian music, was graced by the presence of Asha Bhosle herself, along with her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle. The event was inaugurated by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief, Shri Mohan Bhagwat.
The book, ‘SVARSVAMINI ASHA,’ is a tribute to Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan Asha Bhosle. It encompasses 90 pieces penned by 90 different writers, vividly capturing the essence of her journey and achievements with complementary photographs. During his address, Shri Mohan Bhagwat lauded Asha Bhosle’s immense contributions to Indian music and culture, emphasizing her versatility and the dedication that has inspired generations. He highlighted her incredible journey and the impact she has had on the music industry.
The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia and admiration as Asha Bhosle took the stage to express her heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and love she received. She shared anecdotes from her illustrious career, reflecting on her experiences and conveying her excitement about the launch of the book. Her speech resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have grown up listening to her melodious voice.
One of the highlights of the evening was a touching gesture by singer Sonu Nigam, who considers Asha Bhosle his guru. Nigam, who has had a significant relationship with Asha Bhosle over the years, spoke about the profound influence she has had on his musical journey. He recounted his early days, saying, “Today we have learning apps, but when we did not have these, we had Asha-ji and Lata-ji as our teachers in the guru-shishya tradition.”
Demonstrating his respect and reverence, Nigam washed Asha Bhosle’s feet with rose petals and rose water. This symbolic act left many in the audience in awe and brought an emotional depth to the event. It underscored the timeless tradition of guru-shishya in Indian culture, where deep respect and devotion are shown toward one’s teacher.
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Actor Jackie Shroff also paid his tribute by gifting Asha Tai a plant, symbolizing a commitment to making the earth green again. His gesture was seen as a poignant reminder of the importance of nurturing nature, akin to how Asha Bhosle has nurtured and enriched the Indian music industry.
The event was a star-studded affair, with many eminent personalities from the world of music and film in attendance. Some of the notable guests included Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, Bharati Mangeshkar, Sonu Nigam, Ashish Shelar, Ashok Saraf, Jackie Shroff, Poonam Dhillon, Suresh Wadkar, Sudesh Bhosle, Shruti Bhosle, and Harish Bhimani. Each of them contributed their presence to a night that was as much about reminiscing on past glories as it was about celebrating the present achievements of Asha Bhosle.
As the event drew to a close, the celebrations intensified with a musical tribute to Asha Bhosle. Renowned artists took to the stage, performing some of the evergreen hits that she has crooned over the decades. The soulful performances created an atmosphere of nostalgia, bringing back memories and a deep sense of appreciation for her monumental contribution to Indian music.
The book ‘SVARSVAMINI ASHA’ is published by Valuable Group and is priced at Rs 1200. It is expected to be available in bookstores in the upcoming week. This compilation not only celebrates Asha Bhosle’s musical journey but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of artists and music enthusiasts.
In her concluding remarks, Asha Bhosle expressed her joy and gratitude for the recognition and the love she has received from her fans and peers. She reiterated the importance of hard work, dedication, and maintaining a passion for one’s craft, which have been the cornerstones of her illustrious career.
In summation, the launch of ‘SVARSVAMINI ASHA’ was a fitting tribute to a living legend, Asha Bhosle, celebrating her indelible mark on the Indian music landscape. The evening was a beautiful amalgamation of respect, nostalgia, and celebration, highlighting the profound impact of her music and her enduring legacy.
