Asha Bhosle Turns 90! 10 Chartbusters That Prove She Is The Playback Queen

She shot to fame with club bangers such as ‘Piya Tu’, ‘Dum Maaro Dum’, ‘Ye Mera Dil’, etc. However, Bhosle’s versatility as a songstress is undeniable. While she did bring a certain amount of cheekiness and oomph to the aforementioned songs, her ability to infuse emotion, depth, and pathos into romantic tracks such as the mournful ‘Mera Kuch Samaan’, and the tender ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko’ needs more appreciation. On her 90th birthday, here are some timeless tracks from the playback queen.

No one can make a vamp sound as playful, desirable, yet dignified as Asha Tai. After this sultry RD Burman song (from the 1971 movie ‘Caravan’) the name Monica became synonymous with brazen sensuality and the dancer Helen became an overnight star. The lethal combo of Bhonsle’s perfect pitches and Helen’s killer moves makes this song the ultimate Indian club banger!

Who knew that a song about getting high on drugs can be so addictive? This RD Burman number from the 1971 film ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ celebrates living for the moment as well as living on the edges, flirting with law, and not giving a damn! Featuring a completely stoned Zeenat Aman, this song is still a damn good party track, almost 50 years later!

Combine the magic of a playful and ethereal Madhubala, tantalising the viewers (and Ashok Kumar!) with those come-hither eyes and the mild, mellow yet haunting tones of Bhonsle… and you get one mesmerising song! Composed by OP Nayyar, this song (from the 1958 film ‘Howrah Bridge’ this song is perfect if you are in the mood for something slow yet perky!

Bhonsle proved her mastery both over sur and taal with this song (from the 1981 movie ‘Umrao Jaan’). While Rekha exuded elegance and barely restrained outrage, anger, and bitterness of a courtesan desired by all, yet acknowledged by none, Asha Tai’s melancholic tone gave voice to her tragedy.

This euphonious song (from the 1973 film ‘Yaadon Ki Baarat’) still sounds like molten chocolate almost 50 years later! Pictured on an ethereally beautiful Zeenat Aman and a lovestruck Vijay Arora, the song will make you fall in love… with love all over again!

Bhosle remains unparalleled when it comes to seducing the listeners, just through the sheer power of her voice. This alluring number (from the 1978 movie ‘Don’) is unapologetically sexy and magnetic, thanks to the unbeatable combination of Helen’s ravishing beauty and Bhosle’s come hither voice!

One of the most romantic tracks in Bollywood history, this playful, mischievous song ( from the 1977 blockbuster ‘Hum Kisise Kum Nahin’) is the very epitome of awkward first dates! This classic is another masterpiece born from the unbeatable RD Burman, Asha Bhosle combination!

This sultry track (from the 1967 movie ‘Jewel Theif’) featuring a coy yet playful Tanuja and a charmed Devanand is guaranteed to make your heart flutter! Bhosle’s inviting, coquettish, yet bashful tones gave this SD Burman track a delightfully impish aura.

At a time when women’s sexuality was expected to be more subdued and female characters on screen were carefully boxed into the ‘Madonna’ and ‘Whore’ dichotomy, based on their outlook towards sexuality, Bhosle was one of the rare singers who never failed to be uninhibited in her more passionate songs. Bhosle’s voice channels longing and desperation for companionship and physical fulfillment in this crazy, sexy little song (from the 193 film ‘Jheel Ke Us Paar’. )

In this soothing RD Buram romantic song (from the 1987 film ‘Ijaazat’) Bhonsle is more subdued. Frisky yet strangely poignant, the song reflects the developing love between two strangers after marriage.