Muzaffar Ali remembers Asha Bhosle: Umrao Jaan has lost its voice

April 13, 2026 Editor - Global Movie Bollywood News 0

Muzaffar Ali remembers Asha Bhosle: Umrao Jaan has lost its voice; we have five unreleased songs she recorded for Zuni

Umrao Jaan director Muzaffar Ali remembers how Asha Bhosle got into the skin of his film songs and “sang Dil Cheez Kya Hai in one scale lower”.

Shocked by the demise of Asha Bhosle, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali—who made the award-winning film Umrao Jaan (1981), which won several National Awards including Best Playback Singer for Asha Bhosle for Dil Cheez Kya Hai — says, “Umrao Jaan has lost its entire voice — first Shahryar, then Khayyam and now Asha ji.” The filmmaker says, “I remember, when she sang the song—in one scale lower—she said there is some magic in it. And after she won the National Award as a singer, she sent a letter to thank me for making her a part of this magical project.” Muzaffar Ali with Asha Bhosle during the launch of his book (Muzaffar Ali’s Umrao Jaan)

He remembers how she transported herself in the song that was set in a particular era. “The way she understood the song, its premises, the era, was truly magical. She got into the skin of the character (played by actor Rekha). Apni awaaz se ek sur neeche gaana asaan nahi hai, woh bhi is level ka! Her soulful voice took the film to another level,” he says.

I could not speak to Ashaji (Bhosle) one last time: Mumtaz

 Veteran actor Mumtaz reminisces about her bond with Asha Bhosle and expresses sorrow upon learning of her passing

 died on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure. With a career spanning over eight decades and 12,000+ songs, she left a legacy as one of India’s most versatile voices, transforming music across genres.Now, recalling her final memory of the singer, veteran actor Mumtaz tells HTCity, “I rushed when I heard she was hospitalised… I wanted to speak to her, but couldn’t as the doctors informed us she is critical. As I was leaving the hospital a few minutes later, her family called to say she had passed away. The next day I visited her home and when I saw Asha ji, her face had a certain noor.”

The actor-singer duo has delivered hits like Koi Shahri Babu (Loafer, 1973) and Duniya Mein Logon Ko (Apna Desh, 1972). “Ashaji would always tell me Aaja O Mere Raja (song) has been the most difficult song of her career because of the voice variations,” Mumtaz adds.

Sharing personal memories from their days as neighbours in Walkeshwar, she shares, “I remember lying in Ashaji and Lata Mangeshkar’s lap when they would do riyaz with their tanpura.”

 

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