Title: Didn’t Want to Be Pitted Against Lata, Sang in Western Style: Asha
The world of Indian classical music is replete with talented voices, but few names stand out as brightly as those of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. While both singers are legends in their own right, Asha Bhosle’s journey to stardom was marked by a deliberate decision to differentiate herself from her more famous sister, Lata. In a recent interview, Asha Bhosle spoke candidly about why she chose to adopt a Western singing style, and how it helped her carve out a unique niche for herself in the Indian music industry.
“I realised I’d have to change my singing style because Didi [Lata] is already there… I didn’t want to be pitted against her,” Asha Bhosle said, emphasizing the importance of setting herself apart from her sister. With Lata Mangeshkar dominating the Indian classical music scene, it was only natural for Asha to seek out a different path. Instead of competing with Lata, Asha chose to explore the Western singing style, which gave her a distinct edge in the industry.
Under the guidance of her father, Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar, Asha began training in classical music at a young age. However, as she grew older, she began to feel stifled by the constraints of traditional Indian music. “I wanted to sing in a different style, with a different emphasis,” Asha said, explaining her desire to break free from the classical mold. This desire led her to seek out Western music, which she found to be more flexible and expressive.
Asha’s decision to adopt a Western singing style was not without its challenges. She faced resistance from some members of the music fraternity, who saw her as a traitor to the classical tradition. However, Asha remained committed to her vision, and her determination paid off. She went on to become one of the most popular playback singers in Bollywood, with a career spanning over seven decades.
Asha’s success in the Western style was largely due to her training under the guidance of Roshan Seth, a renowned music director and composer. Seth introduced Asha to the world of Western music, teaching her the intricacies of Western harmony and melody. Asha’s training with Seth was instrumental in helping her develop a unique sound that was distinctly different from her sister’s.
In addition to her training, Asha’s willingness to experiment with different genres and styles was another key factor in her success. She sang in a wide range of languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and even English. Her versatility as a singer enabled her to adapt to different musical settings, making her a sought-after talent in the industry.
Asha’s decision to adopt a Western singing style was not just about differentiating herself from Lata, but also about pushing the boundaries of Indian music. By incorporating Western elements into her singing, Asha helped to create a new and exciting sound that captivated audiences across the country. Her music became a fusion of traditional Indian classical music and Western pop, creating a unique sound that was both familiar and innovative.
In conclusion, Asha Bhosle’s decision to adopt a Western singing style was a deliberate choice to differentiate herself from her sister Lata Mangeshkar. By training in Western music and experimenting with different genres and styles, Asha was able to carve out a unique niche for herself in the Indian music industry. Her willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of Indian music helped to create a new and exciting sound that captivated audiences across the country.
