Our Bureau
Mumbai
Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday, April 12, prompting fans and stars to recall her golden moments. Bollywood icon Rekha’s heartfelt speech from 2018 Yash Chopra Memorial Awards in Mumbai has gone viral again.
At the event, Asha Bhosle was honored for her huge role in Indian cinema. Rekha called her “an integral part of me.” She said she felt this bond when Asha started singing for her films.
Rekha shared deep love and thanks. “I don’t have any words to express my love and gratitude towards her,” she said. In Hindi, she added, “Alfaaz main zyada bayaan nahin kar sakti (I cannot express much in words) par aap jaanti hai na main aapke liye kya mehsoos karti hoon (but you know what I feel for you).” She noted, “Lekin kabhi-kabhi jisko pyaar karte hain, bolna zaroori hota hai (sometimes it is important to say it to those we love).”
Rekha credited Asha fully for her magic in Umrao Jaan. The 1981 film, directed by Muzaffar Ali, featured Asha Bhosle’s voice for all songs. Rekha said, “When I was shooting for Dil Cheez Kya Hai or In Aankhon Ki Masti, that time I was only remembering the instructions of Asha tai.” “So, whatever you have seen of me in that film is all because of her,” she added.
Asha won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Umrao Jaan. She sang after reading the Urdu novel Umrao Jaan Ada. The music became timeless hits.
Rekha first met Asha at a Raj Kapoor event as a child. Fans say this tribute shows Rekha’s shy love: “Main jisko pyaar karti hoon usse bahut duur bhaagti hoon (I run far away from the person I love).”
