In this weekend blog, I am paying tribute to the legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on 12th April 2026, at the age of 92.
I am saluting the legend with 92 of my favourite songs sung by her.
1 Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh from Shri 420 (1955)- This lilting Shankar-Jaikishan creation forced people to notice her for the first time in a big banner film.
2 Chanda Mama Door Ke from Vachan (1955)- It is amazing how many generations have listened to this song of her.
3 Eena Meena Deeka from Asha (1957)- Best remembered for Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle taking turns to amuse with breathless gibberish words.
4 Chhod Do Aanchal Zamana Kya Kahega from Paying Guest (1957). Listen to her when she sing Chhod Do.
5 & 6 Ude Jab Jab Zulfen Teri and Maang Ke Saath Tumhara from Naya Daur (1957)- she teams up with Mohd Rafi on the beats composed by legendary OP Nayyar.
7 Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958)-few singers can complement Kishore Kumar, and this song is proof of that.
8 Ek Pardesi Mera Dil Le Gaya from Phagun (1958)-The sheer exuberance of her delivery matches the determination of the snake charmer’s Been in the OP Nayyar’s classic.
9 Aaiye Meherban, Baithye Jaane Jaan from Howrah Bridge (1958)- The seduction on screen or off it hasn’t lost a gram of sizzle.
10 Nazar Laagi Raja Tore Bangle Par from Kala Pani (1958)- The delightful intricacy of mujra number is worth listening.
11 Arre Ja Re Hat Natkhat from Navrang (1959)- This gorgeous ballet orchestrated by C Ramchandra’s soundtrack rides high on her signature verve.
12 Na To Karwan ki Talash Hai from Barsat Ki Raat (1960)- In the Sahir Ludhianvi-penned epic qawalli composed by Roshan, senses and sentiment soar in the classical singing of Rafi, Manna Dey, Sudha Malhotra and the one and only Asha for 12 minutes Yeh Ishq Ishq hai after all.
13 Kali Ghata Chhaye Mora Jiya from Sujata (1959)- Asha’s gentle, graceful singing in the SD Burman’s composition is superb.
14 Dil Ki Kahani Rang Laayi Hai from Chaudhvin Ka Chand (1960)- Once again, she proves her versatility in singing mujras.
15 Abhi Na Jao Chhod Ke, Ki Dil Abhi from Hum Dono (1962)- who can forget this duet sung by Mohd Rafi and Asha Bhosle, considered as an evergreen romantic song.
16 & 17 Saaqiya Aaj Mujhe Neend nNahi Aayegi & Bhanwara Bada Naadan Hai from Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962)- first song is mujra par excellence and her bubbliness in the second song is beyond comparison.
18 Ankhon Se Jo Utri Hai Tasveer Kisi from Phir Wohi Dil Laaya Hoon (1963)- The texture of her free flowing voice conveys the proud tone of her namesake (Asha Parekh) on-screen declaration.
19 Nigahein Milane Ko Jee Chahata Hai from Dil Hi To Hai (1963)-Her golden voice radiates so much conviction.
20 Ab Ke Baras Bhejo from Bandini (1963)- The crumbling hope in her voice, while resonating Shailendra’s lines against SD Burman’s tune is worth listening.
21 Kaahe Tasaye Jiya from Chitralekha (1964)- Teaming up with sister Usha Mangeshkar, the duo oozes classical fervour in the electrifying song.
22 Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein Dil Lenewale from Kashmir Ki Kali (1964)- In the song her voice alternated between coy and flirtatious.
23 & 24 Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge and Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka from Mere Sanam (1965)- First song is picturised on Asha Parekh and second on Mumtaz, see the difference in her voice quality for the two artists.
25 Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu from Waqt (1965)- What a way she has sung this philosophical song.
26 Zara HHaule Chalo More Saajna from Sawan ki Ghata (1966)- Asha Bhosle’s spunkiness rocked on the beats of Haule Haule.
27 Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera from Teesri Manzil (1966)- her first association with RD Burman, this club number, sung by Rafi and Asha, rocks.
28 Khat Likhde Sanwariya Ke Naam from Aaye Din Bahar Ke (1966)- Sounds like a deceptively simple tune. Try singing it, and you will realise the prowess of Asha.
29 Bhhegi Bheegi Fiza from Anupama (1966)- Lata got best songs picturised on leading lady, but Asha is no less efficient in the easy-going Bheegi Bheegi featuring Shashikala.
30 Jab Chali Thandi Hawa, Jab Uthi Kali Ghata from Do Badan (1966)- The Asha Parekh-Asha Bhosle combo is always deadly, and this song is no exception.
31 Huzoor-e-Wala Jo Ho Izaajat from Yeh Raat Phir Na Aayegi (1966)- Her collaboration with Minu Purshottam gives this breezy number picturised on Helen & Madhumati.
32 Paan Khaye Saiyan Hamaro from Teesri Kasam (1967)-Her emphasis on ‘lal lal’, ‘hai hai’, and her giggle lends that extra something to Shankar Jaikishan’s beautiful creation.
33 Yaar Badshah, Yaar Dilruba from CID 909-the curves in Asha’s voice, the song, picturised on Helen, bear almost scientific precision.
34 Raat Akeli Hai, Bujh Gaye Diye from Jewel Thief (1967)- Tantalising Tanuja on celluloid, Asha plays the seductress behind the scenes in this super sensual song.
35 Hum Intezaar Karenge Tera Qayamat Tak from Bahu Begum (1967)- The grandeur and dedication of old-school romance is captured in this duet (with Rafi).
36 Raat Ke Humsafar, Thak Ke Ghar from An Evening In Paris (1967)- The sweet, lilting vibe of Asha and Rafi’s vocals is so relaxing and serene.
37 Parde Mein Rehne Do, Parda Na Uthao from Shikar (1968)-Just the way she sings’ ‘Allah’ is an instant win. Another deadly combination of Asha-Asha.
38 Meri Beri Ke Ber Mat Todo– from Aakhri Raat (1968)- asha’s eager, flirtatious protests –worth listening.
39 Gunguna Rahen Hain Bhanware, Khil Rahi Hai from Aradhana (1969)-SD Burman’s lovely score in this duet song (with Rafi).
40 Kajra Mohabbat Wala, Ankhiyan Mein Aisa Dala from Kismat (1969)- teaming with Shamshad Begum, their comfort level brings the house down with this song.
41 Dum Maro Dum, Mit Jaayen Gham from Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971)- This song does not need any reason to explain Asha-RD Burman’s deadly combo.
42 & 43 Ab Jo Milen Hain To Bahon Ko Bahon Se and Piya Tu Ab To Aaja from Caravan (1971)- in the first song, Asha gets widely sexy to Aruna Irani’s oomph, and the second song has become an iconic song in Asha’s career.
44 Jaane Jaan Dhoondhta Phir Raha Hoon from Jawani Deewani (1972)- fantastic duet with Kishore Kumar, RD Burma scores.
45 Jab Andhera Hota Hai, Aadhi Raat Ke Baad from Raja Rani (1973)- Asha and Bhupinder liven up this RD’s composition with their contrasting vocal texture.
Balance song in next blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
17th April 2026