Asha Bhosle’s Birthday: The Controversial Elopement and Marriage at 16 with Lata Mangeshkar’s Secretary
Despite Asha Bhosle’s soulful voice touching our hearts, love did not treat her kindly. The iconic singer is celebrating her 91st birthday today (September 8th), and we remember the time when she made a controversial decision to marry a man almost twice her age, who was also her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar’s secretary at one point.
In 1949, at the age of 16, Asha Bhosle eloped with 31-year-old Ganpatrao Bhosle and defied her family’s wishes to marry him. This decision caused a rift with the Mangeshkar family initially, but when Asha gave birth to her first child Heman, their anger started to subside. However, fate had other plans in store for Asha.
In 1960, Ganpatrao kicked Asha out of their home when she was pregnant with their third child and served her with a separation notice. Despite the challenges, Asha did not give up, as she now had an entire family to care for. In an interview with Kavita Chhibber, Asha Bhosle revealed that Ganpatrao’s conservative family struggled to accept her successful singing career.
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Asha shared, “There was abuse and mistreatment, and I was eventually asked to leave when I was expecting my youngest son Anand. I returned to my mother, sisters, and brother. I hold no grudges and believe that everything happens for a reason. If I had not met Mr. Bhosle, I would not have had these three wonderful children, and life turned out okay.”
Asha never hesitated to talk about her struggles but always carried on with resilience. The singer, famous for hits like “Jawani Janeman,” “Dum Maro Dum,” “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja,” “Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana,” and “Hungama Ho Gaya,” later married the legendary musician RD Burman in 1980.
Unfortunately, Asha and Pancham Da also drifted apart later due to Burman’s alcoholism, but they continued to admire each other. While Asha Bhosle may not have had the best luck in love, she ensures that our lives are enriched with her timeless love songs.
We wish the legendary singer a long, healthy, and fulfilling life ahead.
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