Singer Usha Mangeshkar has recalled her sister Asha Bhosle’s early life, describing her as a fearless and energetic “tomboy” before she married as a teenager.
According to the Zoom TV report, Usha shared these memories in an old interview with Filmfare. She spoke about Asha Bhosle’s personality before she eloped with Ganpatrao Bhosle at the age of around 14–15.
Usha said Asha later became a mother to Hemant and reconnected with the family after several years. She said she saw her elder sister for the first time after marriage during that period.
She recalled Asha’s transformation in appearance and behaviour. Usha said she remembered her as a young girl who wore pants, shirts and a waistcoat. She said Asha rode bicycles, roamed freely and often got into fights.
Usha said she expected the same lively personality after meeting her again. Instead, she found a very different version of her sister. She said Asha wore a white sari, had her hair tied, wore gold bangles and a wristwatch, and had a large tikka on her forehead.
Usha also recalled Asha’s first words to her during the meeting. She said Asha noticed her untidy hair and asked why she did not use hairpins. She then gave her a hairpin and asked her to fix her hair properly.
Usha said Asha’s way of speaking had changed completely compared to her childhood. She said the difference in her behaviour and tone was striking.
She also said the family relationship gradually improved after the birth of Asha Bhosle’s son, Hemant. Usha said their mother was happy as he was the first grandson in the family.
Usha added that Asha later called their mother, saying she was unwell and asked her to come. She said this visit helped rebuild family ties, and they slowly began meeting again.
Asha Bhosle’s first marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle ended in separation in 1960. She later married music composer R D Burman in 1980. The couple remained together until his death in 1994.
