Asha Bhosle, the legendary singer known for her mesmerizing voice, has captivated audiences with thousands of songs. However, her personal life has been full of ups and downs. Despite her global fame and recognition, her journey was not without challenges, especially in her relationships. From a marriage at a young age to dealing with personal losses later in life, Asha’s story reflects strength and resilience.
Early Marriage at 16 and a Tumultuous Relationship
In 1949, at the tender age of 16, Asha made a decision that would change her life forever. She married Ganpatrao Bhosle, who was 31 years old and worked as the secretary of her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar. This decision shocked her family, particularly Lata, who was so disappointed that she stopped speaking to Asha for years. The Mangeshkar family had opposed the match, but Asha followed her heart, which led to an 11-year-long marriage.
The relationship, however, was far from ideal. Asha and Ganpatrao’s marriage was strained, and Ganpatrao’s family never accepted her. The couple had three children—two sons and a daughter—but the marriage deteriorated over time. There were reports that Asha was mistreated by her in-laws and even faced physical abuse. In 1960, after 11 years of marriage, Asha was thrown out of the house while pregnant with her third child. Heartbroken and with her two children, she returned to her maternal home, seeking refuge.
Focus on Career and Rising Above Adversity
After separating from her first husband, Asha Bhosle was left to rebuild her life. Despite the challenges, she didn’t give up. Instead, she immersed herself in her work, delivering hit after hit in the music industry. During this time, she became one of the most sought-after playback singers, earning recognition not just in India but across the globe. With her powerful voice and versatility, Asha carved out her own space in an industry where her sister Lata had already established herself as a giant.
A Second Chance at Love with R.D. Burman
In 1966, while recording for the film Teesri Manzil, Asha met R.D. Burman, a music director who would later become one of the most influential figures in her life. Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a friendship, and eventually into love. Burman, 6 years younger than Asha, didn’t hesitate to propose marriage, despite opposition from his family.
R.D. Burman’s mother strongly opposed the union due to the age difference and the fact that Asha was a mother of three. She even declared that the marriage would only happen over her dead body. Initially, Burman respected his mother’s wishes, but after his father, the legendary S.D. Burman, passed away, his mother’s mental health declined. To help his mother and pursue his love, R.D. Burman married Asha in 1980, and the couple shared 14 years before his untimely death due to a heart attack in 1994.
A Life Marked by Loss and Personal Tragedy
While Asha’s professional life flourished, her personal life continued to be marred by tragedy. In 2012, Asha’s daughter Varsha committed suicide at the age of 56. Varsha had earlier been married to sports writer Hemant Kenkre, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1998. After the divorce, Varsha lived with her mother, and her death was a devastating blow to Asha.
Just a few years later, in 2015, Asha lost her eldest son Hemant, who died of cancer at the age of 66. These personal losses deeply affected Asha, but she continued to focus on her career and other ventures, showing incredible resilience.
The Struggles of Her Early Life
Asha’s struggles began long before her marriages and personal losses. Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, Asha was part of a musical family. However, tragedy struck early when her father, the renowned singer and actor Deenanath Mangeshkar, passed away when Asha was only 9 years old. His death left the family in financial hardship, and Asha had to start working at a young age to support her family.
With her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar already a celebrated name, Asha faced the pressure of living up to her family’s expectations. While Lata was known for her classical and soulful songs, Asha developed her unique style, lending her voice to more versatile and bold tracks. She eventually gained immense popularity and became a beloved voice of Indian cinema.
Business Ventures: Asha Bhosle’s Global Restaurant Chain
Even with her career in singing, Asha ventured into the restaurant business, opening a chain of restaurants called “Asha’s.” Her first restaurant was launched in Dubai, and the success of this venture led to the expansion of her brand in other countries, including Kuwait and Manchester. Asha’s restaurants offer a variety of Indian dishes, showcasing her love for food alongside her passion for music.
Asha Bhosle’s life is an inspiring tale of overcoming personal struggles and loss while achieving unparalleled success in her career. From an early marriage to navigating personal tragedies, Asha’s resilience and dedication to her craft have made her an enduring icon in the music industry. Today, she continues to inspire millions with both her voice and her strength.
