GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

O. P. Nayyar gave Asha Bhosle a big break in C.I.D. (1956). She first achieved success in B. R. Chopra's Naya Daur (1957), composed by him. His collaboration with Bhosle produced many hits. Later, she established herself and received patronage of composers such as Sachin Dev Burman and Ravi. Bhosle and Nayyar had a professional and personal parting of ways in the 1970s.

In 1966, Asha's performance in the duets from music director R D Burman's first successful movie, Teesri Manzil won popular acclaim. Their collaboration produced numerous hits in the 1970s and resulted in a marriage. In 1960s and 1970s, she became the voice of Bollywood's most famous dancer, Helen. It is said that Helen would attend her recording sessions so that she could understand the song better and plan dance steps accordingly.[citation needed] Some of the most popular Asha Bhosle-Helen numbers are Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan), O Haseena Zulfon Wali (Teesri Manzil), and Yeh Mera Dil (Don).

In Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijaazat (1987), she sang traditional ghazals and proved her versatility, winning the coveted National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Her film activities continued into the 1990s. Her performance in the 1995 hit Rangeela was particularly notable. As late as 2005, 72-year-old Asha Bhosle's numbers for the Tamil film Chandramukhi and the pop song Lucky Lips for Salman Khan-starrer Lucky were chartbusters. Some of the other popular Tamil songs sung by Bhosle are Oh! Butterfly, September Maadham and Vennila Vennila.

..

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

Umrao Jaan, 1981

By 1980s, Asha Bhosle had been stereotyped as a "cabaret singer" and a "pop crooner". In Rekha-starrer Umrao Jaan, she sang ghazals like Dil cheez kya hai, In aankhon ki masti ke, Ye kya jagah hai doston and Justju jiski thi. The songs proved her capable of doing fairly serious songs. The music director Khayyam, had lowered her pitch by half a note. Asha herself was surprised that she could sing so differently. The ghazals won her the first National Award of her career and proved her versatility.

Ghazals from Umrao Jaan will be featured:

..

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

Ashaji on her recieving the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

I consider Filmfare Awards as the most prestigious because they're based on the public's choice--and for me their love and appreciation is foremost. I have also seen this award take birth and grow in popularity both here and abroad. I've been honoured with seven playback awards. I was awarded a special trophy a few years ago, at the insistence of the public, for the Rangeela song years after I had stepped out of the competition. This Lifetime Achievement Award has come to me at a time when I still have the enthusiasm and energy to do a lot many things in music ranging from Indian classical to Indipop. Filmfare and The Times of India group have given me just the right impetus, that encouragement to go on.

..

LEGENDARY SINGER OF BOLLYWOOD FILM MUSIC ASHA BHOSLE PERFORMS AT CARNEGIE HALL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 17/08

Carnegie Hall today announced that legendary Indian film singer Asha Bhosle will return to Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage for a solo performance on Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m. The concert is part of Ms. Bhosle's 75th birthday world tour and coincides with the release of her new album, 75 Years of Asha. Ms. Bhosle last appeared at Carnegie Hall in April 2005 with the Kronos Quartet on a program entitled India Calling: Songs from R.D. Burman's Bollywood.

Described as "the most recorded voice on the planet," with more than 12,500 titles to her name, singer Asha Bhosle has carved a niche for herself as one of the most versatile singers in the business. Early in her career, Ms. Bhosle trained in classical singing but soon followed the footsteps of her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, and worked as a playback singer for the growing Indian film industry. Two partnerships"”with O.P. Nayyar and R.D. Burman"”assured her songs a permanent place in music history. Nayyar, the famed music director, is credited with breaking Ms. Bhosle's career in the 1950s. Two decades later, Ms. Bhosle began working with R.D. Burman, whose diverse westernized influences can be heard in many of his compositions.

Ms. Bhosle has performed live concerts throughout the world, singing in 18 different languages. The winner of seven Filmfare Awards in India, she has also received the National Award twice for her ghazals in Umrao Jaan and Ijaazat. Over the past decade, Ms. Bhosle has reinvented herself in the mainstream pop music genre. In 1996, she released her first album, Rahul and I, which remixed her older, classic songs for a new dance audience and stayed on the "Top of the Pops" list for months. Her follow-up album, Janam Samjha Karo, won an MTV Award in 1997 and in 2001, Ms. Bhosle took on the role of composer with her album Aap Ki Asha. Most recently, she recorded a solo album entitled Love Supreme as well as the Grammy Award-nominated album You've Stolen My Heart with the Kronos Quartet.

Program Information
Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.
Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage
ASHA BHOSLE, Vocalist

Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of Carnegie Hall.

Ticket Information
Beginning on September 17 tickets, priced at $24, $29, $38, $54, $71, and $79, will be available at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street. Tickets may also be charged to major credit cards by calling CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800 or online by visiting www.carnegiehall.org

.

Album:Love Supreme
Asha Bhosle:

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

Disc 1
1 Sarakti Jaye Hai (Ahista Ahista) - 5:15
2 Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo - 9:48
3 Aawargi - 7:20
4 Dil Mein Ek Lehar - 3:35
5 Rafta Rafta - 5:50
6 Mujhe Tum Nazar Se - 4:37
7 Ranjish Hi Sahi - 5:22
8 Chupke Chupke - 4:58
9 Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Kario [Video Edit] - 4:03
Disc 2
1 Duniya Mein - 5:50
2 Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar - 4:17
3 Mere Mehboob Mein Kya Nahin - 4:11
4 Achchha Ji Main Hari - 3:27
5 Chhod Do Aanchal - 4:12
6 Aaja Aaja Main Hun Pyar Tera - 6:43
7 O Chand Jahan Woh Jaye - 3:44
8 Sharabi Aankhen - 5:43
9 Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo [Multimedia Track]
10 Sarakti Jaye Hai [Multimedia Track]

..

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

An Interview done ten years ago by Ashaji

It's noon at her Peddar Road flat in Mumbai. Asha Bhosle is in the kitchen, in a light pink housecoat. She loves to cook, this quintessential Maharashtrian housewife. A "simple, homely woman" as she describes herself, she often goes to the market with her daughter-in-law Anuja to buy vegetables and fish. Ashaji spoke about how her life centres on her family and her music, her marital life and her relationship with her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar.
Excerpts:

What motivates you to sing at this age?

I constantly need something new and challenging. We saw someone encashing on my old popular song (Chura liya), so we thought why shouldn't I do it. My family, especially my younger son Anand, pushed me.

How is your voice still so young?

Riyaz (practice), 45 minutes every day. Actually, you sound as old as you feel. I always felt young at heart.

Who do you give credit for your success?

My parents and God. I believe in destiny and the philosophy of karma. Many people have contributed, but I struggled alone. For the latest success, the credit really goes to my children.

What's your mantra for success?

Take risks. Never say die. It has worked for me. My priorities were children, then music. Whatever came my way to help me, I took it. The rest I dumped ruthlessly.

Was there no disappointment?

Initially, when I got into the world of music, I was treated like an underdog. But I couldn't have backed out.

What about the men in your life?

The children have grown up, and I feel uncomfortable if someone points out the hard times I've had. Ganpatrao and Pancham (R.D. Burman) are no more. I had a unique relationship with Pancham. He was a great music director who exploited my vocal cords like nobody could. We both loved music, food and the good things in life. And yet maintained our privacy, by choice.

Wasn't the relationship strained later?

Not exactly. Wrong people around him misguided him. Any successful artiste loves chamchas (cronies). They tried to separate us. When I couldn't tolerate it any more, I explained the situation to him. He realised it.

How different are you from Lata?

She is older by four years, she is like my mother. We have kept our professions separate from family life.

But isn't she a rival?

What are we talking about? Seniority or numbers? What she can do, I might not be able to. What I did, she can't. It is like two people who went to the moon: the person who took the first step got all the acclaim. It was a healthy competition. I always wanted to do better, that zid has made me what I am today.

How do you feel when people compare the two?

Good and bad. No one can match her. It is an honour that people compare my voice with hers. But bad, because we are two separate identities with different kinds of voices.

Sheela Raval (1997)

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

Filmfare Awards

Ashaji was the only singer who was able to compete with Lata Mangeshkar, she won the filmfare award consecutively in 1967 & 1968 when Lata still used to accept the Filmfare Award. After 1969, with Lata giving up the Filmfare award the coast was clear for Asha Bhosle and she went on to win the award 7 times which is the maximum any female singer ever won.She gave up the award after 1977. Though Kishore Kumar won the maximum number of filmfare awards, it was because unlike the Mangeshkar sisters he never refused the award. So if we compare till 1977 Asha had won the maximum number of filmfare awards ( Male & Female).
1967 - Garibon Ki Suno [DUS LAKH]
1968 - Parde Mein Rehne Do [SHIKHAR]
1971 - Piya Tu Ab To Aaja [CARAVAN]
1972 - Dum Maro Dum [HARE RAMA HARE KRISHNA]
1973 - Hone Lagi Hain Raat [NAINA]
1974 - Chain Se Humko [PRAN JAYE PAR VACHAN NA JAYE]
1977 - Yeh Mera Dil [DON]

AT 74 SHE STILL CAN IMPRESSED WITH THAT VOICE:
.

One of the Ghazal that certainly put Ashaji on a Pedestal, this one was done by Rekhaji and was from that unforgettable film "Umrao Jaan"

This one, we will be presenting to you later with lyrics and translations by our own Venkat:

So for now enjoy the Video:

VIDEO: ASHA BHOSLEdil kya cheez hai- Asha Bhosle Live

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


PRAISES FOR ASHAJI FROM OTHER LUMINARIES

LATA MANGESHKAR:

Asha is a very versatile artiste. Whether it's a sad song or cabaret, she sings the number well. I'm not saying this because she' my sister. But it's my duty as an artiste to notice the virtues in her voice. I don't think we've another singer like her in our midst.


KHAYYAM

Says Khayyam, "Asha and I have worked together right from my first film, Biwi, in 1948. I had asked Asha to sing Mere man ke aangan chand chamka for then superstar Mumtaz Shanti. She sang it beautifully. Then, in Footpath, I made her sing all the songs for Meena Kumari. There was a cabaret number too. Footpath did very well.

"Asha was very hard working. She would rehearse for hours. She understood my style; I understood her range. She didn't get to sing for heroines when she began. She faced a lot of trouble. She made a name for herself in fast numbers.

Umrao Jaan. In the Muzaffar Ali-directed musical, she immortalised four ghazals: Dil cheez kya hai, In aankhon ki masti ke, Ye kya jagah hai and Justju jiski thi. It won her the first National Award of her career.

"She is a fine human being, very blunt and says things to your face. I like that. It helps maintain relationships and clear the air. Her heart is clean. Her musical antecedents are awesome: natya sangeet and shastriya sangeet. Our non-film album, Asha Aur Khayyam, was composed by me and sung by her. She always does exactly what the composer wants her to. She can sing in any language."

WILL GET TO MORE PRAISES LATER: AS WE WOULD DEFINATELY LIKE YOU TO HEAR WHAT OP NAYYYAR, SD BURMAN, RD BURMAN, RAVI, USHA KHANNA, SARDAR MALIK, PYRELALL OF LAXMIKANT PYRELALL FAME AND AR RAHMAN SAYS ABOUT ASHAJI

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

RIZ KHAN ON ONE ON ONE- ASHA BHOSLE:

Riz Khan's One on One - Asha Bhosle - 29 Sep 07 PART 1

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

RIZ KHAN ON ONE ON ONE- ASHA BHOSLE:

Riz Khan's One on One - Asha Bhosle - 29 Sep 07 - Part 2

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

WHAT A WONDERFUL INTERVIEW IN TWO PARTS WITH ASHAJI..........SHE IS A TRIED WOMAN, AND SHE
RECOGNIZED THAT LIVING NOW IS THAT EXCESSES THAT GOD HAS BLESSED HER WITH:

AT HER AGE OF 74 ONE CAN ONLY MARVELED AT HER KNOWLEDGE OF THE QUEEN'S ENGLISH.

.

The Album that I thoroughly enjoyed: Recommended for one's collection:

Meraj E Ghazal CD Asha Bhosle & Ghulam Ali


Ghazals List:

1. ROODAD-E-MOHABBAT KYA KAHIOYE
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Saghar Siddiqui
2. DAYAR-E-DIL KI RAAT MEIN CHARAGH
Singers: Asha Bhosle & Ghulam Ali
Lyric: Nasir Kazmi
3. YUN SAJA CHAND KE CHHALKA TERE ANDAZ KA RANG
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Faiz Ahmad Faiz
4. GAYA DINON KA SURAGH LAKAR KIDHAR SE AATA
Singers: 0Asha Bhosle & Ghulam Ali
Lyric: Nasir Kazmi
5. HAIRATON KE SILSILE SOZ-E-NEHAN TAK AA GAYE
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Ahmad Nadeem Qasmi
6. RAAT JO TUNE DEEP BULHAYE MERE THE
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Saleem Gilani
7. PHIR SAWAN RUT KI PAWAN CHALI TUM YAAD AAYE
Singers: Asha Bhosle & Ghulam Ali
Lyric: Nasir Kazmi
8. DARD JAB TERI ATA HAI TO GILA KIS SE KAREN
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Manzoor Ahmad
9. KARON NA YAAD NAGAR KIS TARAH BHULAOON USE
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Ahmad Faraz
10. SALONA SA SAJAN AI AUR MAIN HOON
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Shabih Abbas
11. DIL SHADAKANE KA SABAB YAAD AAYA
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Lyric: Nasir Kazmi
12. NAINA TOSE LAGE
Singers: Asha Bhosle & Ghulam Ali
Lyric: Naqsh Lyallpuri

We will be presenting a couple selections from Ashaji from this album:
An album that should be in the ghazals fans collection.

.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by asj:

Album:Love Supreme
Asha Bhosle:

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

Disc 1
1 Sarakti Jaye Hai (Ahista Ahista) - 5:15
2 Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo - 9:48
3 Aawargi - 7:20
4 Dil Mein Ek Lehar - 3:35
5 Rafta Rafta - 5:50
6 Mujhe Tum Nazar Se - 4:37
7 Ranjish Hi Sahi - 5:22
8 Chupke Chupke - 4:58
9 Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Kario [Video Edit] - 4:03

Review by Manjurul done on 08/30/2005 : Wonderful! 10/10

Asha is a ghazal-pop album sung by the great Asha Bhonsle. She sings ghazals made famous by Farida Khanum, Mehdi Hasan, Ghulam Ali, and Jagjit Singh, like: Aaj jaane ki zid na karo, aawargi, chupke-chupke, ranjish hi sahi, dil mein ek lehar si, and sarakti jaye rukh se naqab. The songs are rearranged musically by adding a lot of jazz elements, and of course Asha Bhonsles voice instead of the original voice.
Asha Bhonsle- the singer: First off, let me make it clear that I am a huge fan of Asha Bhonsles voice who isnt? The flexibility, tone of voice, and the range she had were fabulous and incomparable. But it is evident that she is struggling to sing these days. Age is bound to catch up with the diva, as it shows in this album. Case in point, catch the beginning alaap in Aaj jaane ki zid na karo&.you cant imagine it is Asha Bhonsle singing it, the lady with the erstwhile golden voice, who could sing any murki in a song with utmost ease. Having said that, there is still plenty of charm left in her voice and she could give ghazal singers today a run for their money. But if you are really an Asha Bhonsle fan, then you dont want to compare her with anyone but herself and if you do that, then you would rather listen to her singing Dil Cheez kya hai (Umrao Jaan) from an older album, than listen to her on this album.
Asha- the album: For ghazal purists, remixing a song like Rafta Rafta would be sacriledge, a complete No-No. If it were anyone other than Asha Bhonsle attempting it, I'm sure the original singers would have put their foot down and refused to let it happen. As it is, the songs are just about OK. I know the justification for remixing a classic is that the younger generation get the benefit of being introduced to it but I consider myself as part of the young generation, and I love classical and semi classical music. I would rather listen to Mehdi Hassan sing Rafta Rafta with a harmonium as accompaniment than with a saxophone after all, ghazals are about poetry and emotions, not about snazzy instrumentation.

asj's note:
The Official Word is that Asha should not have meddle with the classics,
but it is just what it is, that is a "Tribute to the Meastros"

.

The Tracks: ASHA A BRAND NEW ALBUM:

1) Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo [Lyrics: Fayyaz Hashmi, Original music: Nisar Bazmi] A cry of separation and pain form the underlining theme of the Fayyaz Hasmi written number 'Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo'. The classic is turned into a soft number by Pandit Somesh Mathur who does a lot with a synthesizer to make the track sound contemporary and hence sound exciting to current generation as well. Purists may not be really bowled over by a slight touch up given to the ghazal but the intent to make the track reach out to wider audience is readily met

2) Sarakti Jaaye Hai (Ahista Ahista) [Lyrics: Ameer Minai, Original music: Jagjit Singh] A range of Indian instruments begin 'Sarakti Jaaye Hai Rukh Se Naqab Ahista Ahista' that has a rare sensuality by means of lyrics than anything else. "What happens when anticipation turns out to be more exciting than the reality itself" - is what makes this Ameer Minai track one of the most romantic evers. The only track in the album with original music by Jagjit Singh, it is of the kinds that can be played on a low volume in your living room while spending your lazy Sunday afternoon!

3) Dil Mein Ek Lehar Si [Lyrics: Nasir Kazmi, Original music: Ghulam Ali] Great experience while cherishing Ashaji's evergreen vocals continues with 'Dil Mein Ek Lehar Si'. Brilliantly worded by Nasir Kazmi, this ghazal would be enjoyed by every age group and would soon be loved all over again, especially with the campus crowds who love playing on such music along with the studies. Highly enjoyable, one wonders why no one ever thought of coming up with these eternal tracks in such modern day version before?

4) Mujhe Tum Nazar Se [Lyrics: Masroor Anwar, Original music: Sohail Rana] "You can ignore me, but you can not forget me" - that's the essence of the love song 'Mujhe Tum Nazar Se' that Ashaji sings in her inimitable slightly husky voice. With such great tracks coming up in quick succession one just can't help but admire the hard work of the team behind these priceless gems. A melodious track, you can just switch off the lights and put the album on a repeat mode.

5) Chupke Chupke [Lyrics: Hasrat Mohani, Original music: Ghulam Ali] Remember eternal composition 'Chupke Chupke Raat Din Aansoon Bahana Yaad Hai' by Ghulam Ali. Well, one doesn't really need to introduce this all-time popular track that is done full justice by Ashaji in her version. She is marvelous yet again with the ghazal while introducing some finer nuances here and then that give an extra zing to the track. Usage of saxophone throughout the track with mandatory tabla beats (that are ever so essential for a ghazal) are well incorporated in order to make for yet another wonderful hearing.

6) Ranjish Hi Sahi [Lyrics: Ahmed Faraz, Original music: Nisar Bazmi] One of the few tracks in the album which hasn't been touched much with both the look as well as feel of the ghazal being more or less intact. 'Ranjish Hi Sahi' is a lyrics heavy track that would be followed mainly by those who have a strong command over such ghazals. Not one of those soft tracks that could be easily identifiable by one and all, it has a classy feel throughout and would work with the niche audience.

7) Rafta Rafta [Lyrics: Tasleem Fazli, Original music: Naushad] A clear example of what separates men from boys (and women from girls), 'Rafta Rafta' is a mind blowing piece of writing that impresses a music lover on its first hearing itself. Coming towards the end of the album, it is one of the best ever in the album that charms with beautiful writing, ear pleasing recreation of music and some very heartening singing by Ashaji who clearly seems to be enjoying herself while rendering the number. Arrival of this track makes this album a part of your "must have" collections and just cannot be ignored.

8) Aawargi [Lyrics: Mohsin Naqvi, Original music: Ghulam Ali] Best is reserved for the last with Ghulam Ali saab's 'Aawargi' (Ye Dil Ye Paagal Dil Mera) coming up in the very end. Guitar strings begin the track that first gives an impression of the track being a remix of a groovy track a la 'Dum Maro Dum' or 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne'. But as soon as Asha ji begins crooning the track, one is completely bowled over by the funky touch that this ghazal has been given. A unique experience of its kind, it would be easily identifiable by the yuppy generation, mainly due to Pandit Somesh Mathur's efforts who changes the look of the track while keeping the feel intact! A brilliant assortment of ghazals sung in inimitable vocals of Ashaji who doesn't let the people behind these gems down, it is in one word "spellbinding".

A treat for the lovers of timeless Indian music, it is simply mesmerizing.
.

thank you for your patience, friends, some lyrics and translations coming up in the next couple of days.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

quote:

asj's note:
The Official Word is that Asha should not have meddle with the classics,
but it is just what it is, that is a "Tribute to the Meastros"

In Ashaji own words on the album "Asha"

"I knew I was looking for trouble when I decided to re-do the ghazals greats -- Mehdi Hassan, Farida Khannum, Ghulam Ali and Jagjit Singh," she says. "But my life is nothing, if not a series of challenges. The danger of purists taking offence was always there. Ab dekhiye na. Aaj kal kya hota hai, koi bhi kisika gana uthke gaane lagta hai. (Nowadays, people are plagiarising songs left, right and centre). They just take a big singer's number and make it small, with clothes to match, in the music video, matak-matak ke."

Bhosle insists that she hasn't done any re-mixes in Asha. "I haven't tampered with notes or lyrics. Only the instruments have been modernised. As for the cynics, they're bound to have their say. When some years ago, I released the album Rahul & I, where I sang R.D. Burman songs, I was criticised even by those who were my admirers. But I remember a four-year-old boy came up to me at a restaurant and asked me to sing 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja'. I was so happy that a new generation would be familiarised with R.D.'s tunes."

When it comes to re-doing classics, she is no stranger to controversies.

She laughs, "I had once done an album of Noorjehan's songs called Kashish. Main bahut dar gayi thi. (I was very scared) I phoned Noorjehan for her consent. She retorted, 'Badi himmat hai tum mein'.

"After recording the songs, I took the cassette to her home in London," she continues. "She looked at me angrily and told me to come back the next day. The next day she complimented me, 'Shabaash Beta. Jo cheez main nahin keh saki woh tum keh gayi ho (What I could not say, you have).' I touched her feet and sought her blessings. I hope after listening to Asha, the ghazal greats respond the same way."

"I've tried my best to retain the original flavour. I heard every number at least 50 times," she says.

Incidentally, sister Lata Mangeshkar had paid homage to playback singing greats of Hindi cinema in her album Shraddhanjali. Critics had accused the Nightingale of India of trying to be one-up on her colleagues who had sung the originals. But the album became such a success that Lata recorded a sequel the next year.

Subhash K. Jha for rediff.com
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA -ASHA BHOSLE

Ashaji won great acclaim and recognition as a ghazal singer with this masterpiece. She showed her fans that she could move to many music forms with ease, even though her fame hitherto had come from the "pop" genre. Ghazals require the singer to convey the feelings of the poet from their voice directly into the listener's hearts, and Ashaji has done herself proud in this sad story about an accomplished but unappreciated poet from the past. So it is apt that we start our Asha ghazals with this one.

Movie Name: Umrao Jaan (1981)
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Music Director: Khayyam
Lyrics: Shahryar


1) DIL CHEEZ KYA HAI

dil cheez kya hai aap merii jaan liijiye
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!
bas ek baar mera kahaa...maan liijiye
Just once, do what I ask you
dil cheez kya hai aap merii jaan liijiye
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!

is anjuman me.n aap ko...aana hai baar baar
You must come, time and again, to this court
diiwaar-o-dar ko ghaur se... pahachaan liijiye
Get to know every nook and corner well
dil cheez kya hai aap merii jaan liijiye
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!

maana ki dosto.n ko nahii.n
It is agreed that friends don't
dosto.n, dosto.n ko nahii.n
That friends don't
maana ke dosto.n ko nahii.n dostii ka paas
It is agreed that friends don't respect friendships;

lekin yeh kya ke ghair ka...ehasaan liijiye
but why do you accept favors from strangers?
dil cheez kya hai aap merii jaan liijiye
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!

kahiye to...aasmaan ko
If you just say so
kahiye to aasmaan ko zamiin par utaar laayen
if you just say so, then I shall lay the sky at your feet,

mushkil nahiin hai kuchh bhii
Nothing is difficult;
mushkil nahiin hai kuchh bhii agar Thaan liijiye
nothing is difficult if you set your heart on it.
dil cheez kya hai aap merii jaan liijiye
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!

bas ek baar
Just for once
bas ek baar mera kahaa maan liijiye
Just once, do what I ask you
maan liijiye
Do it

Trans: Venkat

VIDEO: Dil Cheez Kya Hai - Umrao Jaan (Video):

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


VIDEO: Dil Cheez Kya Hai - Umrao Jaan:
.

quote:

Originally posted by chameli:

quote:

Originally posted by Venkat:
thank you for your patience, friends, some lyrics and translations coming up in the next couple of days.

looking forward to this Venkat

I am so enjoying all these songs...and what emotional power it adds to see the meaning of each gaZal

you are welcome, Leader. It gives me pleasure to do it.

Originally posted by asj:
GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


(2) JUSTUJU JISKI THI

Note: Even though the Lyrics were by Shahryar, the poetry was attributed to the poet Umrao Jaan Ada, and the 'Ada' in the last verse refers to the traditional takhallus.


Originally posted by asj:
Movie Name: Umrao Jaan (1981)
Singer: Asha Bhosle
Music Director: Khaiyaam
Lyrics: Shahryar


(Justajuu jiskii thii us ko to na paaya hamne)2
I did not find the one I had been searching for
Is bahaane se magar dekh lii duniya hamne
but on this pretext, I saw the world
Justajuu jiskii thii
The one for whom I searched

(Tujhko rusva na kiya)2
I did not disgrace you.
Khud bhii pashemaa.n na hu'e
and I did not shame myself
(Ishq kii rasm ko)2 is taraha nibhaaya hamne
In this manner, I honored our vows of love.
Ishq kii rasm ko is taraha nibhaaya hamne
In this manner, I honored our vows of love.

Justajuu jiskii thii
The one for whom I searched

Kab mile the kahaa.n bichhare the (2)
When we met, and where we were separated,
Hamein yaad nahiin
I do not remember
Zindagii tujhko to (2) bas khwaab mein dekha hamne
Life, I only beheld you in dreams
Zindagii tujhko to bas khwaab mein dekha hamne
Life, I only beheld you in dreams

Justajuu jiskii thii
The one for whom I searched

Ae 'Ada' aur sunaa'yen bhi to kya haal apna
What more can I tell you of my state?
Umr ka lamba safar (2) tay kiya tanha ham ne
I picked the way that I would spend this life's journey
Umr ka lamba safar tay kiya tanha ham ne
I picked the way that I would spend this life's journey

Justajuu jiskii thii usko to na paaya ham ne
I did not find what I had been searching for
Is bahaane se magar dekh lii duniya ham ne
but on this pretext, I beheld the world
Justajuu jiskii thii
The one for whom I searched

Trans: Venkat
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


KAAJOL: BEAUTY IS ALWAYS A JOY TO BEHOLD:

SINGER: ASHA BHOSLE
ALBUM: MERAJ-E-GHAZAL:
POET : SALEEM GILANI

(3) RAAT JO TU NE DEEP BUJHAAYE, MERE THE

Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the (2)
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,
Ashq jo taariikii me chupaaye, mere the mere the
The tears were hidden in the darkness, they were mine
Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,


Kaif-e-bahaara.n, meher-e-nigaara.n, lutf-e-junoo.n, (2)
The intoxication of youth, the love of a sweetheart, the ecstasy of the passion
Mausam-e-gul ke mehke hai saaye, mere the, mere the
The fragrant images of spring blossoms, they were mine
Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,


Mere the woh khwaab jo tu ne chhiin liye (2)
Mine were the dreams that you snatched away,
Geet jo ho.nto.n par murjhaye, mere the, mere the
The songs that withered on the lips, they were mine
Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,

Aanchal, aanchal, gesoo gesoo, chaman chaman (2)
Every veil, every lock of hair, every flower garden,
Saarii khushboo, mere saaye, mere the, mere the
All the fragrance, the shadows, they were all mine

Saahil saahil lahre.n dil ko dhoondati hai (2)
The waves search at every shore for the heart,
Maazi ke woh mehke saaye, mere the mere the
Those fragrant images of days gone by, they were mine
Ashq jo taariikii me chupaaye, mere the mere the
The tears were hidden in the darkness, they were mine
Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,


Trans: Venkat

RAAT JO TU NE DEEP BHUJAYEE:

.

GHAZALS BY SINGING DIVA ASHA BHOSLE


SHRIYA: BEAUTY IS ALWAYS A JOY TO BEHOLD:

(4) DARD JAB TERI ATAA HAI
Album Name: Meraj-E-Ghazal (Non Film)

LYRICS AND TRANSLATIONS COMING UP...
.

RAAT JO TU NE DEEP BHUJAYEE:

Trans is a beauty:

Raat jo tu ne deep bujhaaye, mere the, mere the (2)
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,
Ashq jo taariikii me chupaaye, mere the mere the
The tears were hidden in the darkness, they were mine

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

THE INTOXICATION OF THESE EYES......


Movie Name: UMRAO JAAN (1981)
Music Director: Khayyam
Lyrics: Shahryar

(5) IN AANKHON KI MASTII KE

please wait for the lyrics and translation ... enjoy the song in the meantime

GHAZALS BY SINGING DIVA ASHA BHOSLE


SHRIYA: BEAUTY IS ALWAYS A JOY TO BEHOLD:

(4) DARD JAB TERI ATAA HAI
Album Name: Meraj-E-Ghazal (Non Film)
Lyrics: Manzoor Ahmed

dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein (2)
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?
hijr jab tuune diya ho to mila kisase karein
The loneliness was given by you, so who shall be my companion?
dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?

aks bikhara hai tera tuut ke aayiine ke saath (2)
Your image has shattered, along with the broken mirror
ho gayi zakhm nazar aks chuna kisase karein
My sight is wounded, how shall I put it together again?
dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?

main safar mein huun mere saath judaayii teri (2)
I am on my journey, your separation is my companion
hamasafar gham hain to phir kisako juda kisase karein
When my fellow traveler is sorrow, who should be separated from whom?
dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?


khil uthe gul ya khule dast-e-hinaayii tere (2)
Did the rose just bloom, or did your hanna'ed palm open?
har taraf tuu hai to phir tera pata kisase karein
When you are everywhere, whom shall I ask where you are?
dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?

tere lab teri nigaahein tera aariz teri zulf
Your lips, your looks, your cheeks, your tresses
itane zinda hain to is dil ko rihaa kisase karein
With all these around, from which could I free my heart?

dard jab teri ata hai to gila kisase karein
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?

Trans: Venkat
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


AS BEAUTIFUL AS THEY COME......


Movie Name: UMRAO JAAN (1981)
Music Director: Khayyam
Lyrics: Shahryar
Album: Meraj-e-Ghazal

(6) HAIRATON KE SILSILE

COMING UP SOON..

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:



Aaahh, eyes. Just about three square inches of your body, but they do so much.

They look, they see, they peer, they peek, they glance, they glare, they ogle, they leer, they observe, they spy and seek. They can calm a crying child, cajole a brat. They can shout silently, or show compassion, or shoot arrows directly into your heart. They can console and comfort, display awe and anger, show love, lust and longing. They can cry, complain, or cause anguish in a lover's heart. They can mock, muse or move you. They can speak, smile and seduce. They can induce, implore or intoxicate.

Man can make an imitation of almost every part of the human body with today's technology. Man can make a camera that can see, but he can never make an eye. God kept the secret of making eyes to Himself. That is because that is where He put the soul, another thing that man cannot make.

The same God either made Rekha's eyes just for this ghazal, or made this ghazal just for her. This ghazal crowns Ashaji as the undisputed queen of the ghazal genre. It is a pity she did not sing hundreds more for us.


Movie Name: UMRAO JAAN (1981)
Music Director: Khayyam
Lyrics: Shahryar

(5) IN AANKHON KI MASTII KE

In Aankhon Kii Mastii Ke,(2) Mastaane Hazaaron Hain (2)
There are thousands intoxicated by the passion of these eyes,
In Aankhon Se Vaabastah (2) Afasaane Hazaaron Hain
Thousands of romances have been spun about these eyes,

Ik Tum Hii Nahiin Tanhaa (2), Ulafat Mein Merii Rusavaa (2)
You are not the only one disgraced by your desire for me,
Is Shahar Mein Tum Jaise (2) Diivaane Hazaaron Hain (2)
In this city, there are thousands of mad men just like you,

In Aankhon Kii Mastii Ke, Mastaane Hazaaron Hain
There are thousands intoxicated by the passion of these eyes,

Ik Sirf hum hii may Ko (2) Aankhon Se Pilaate Hain (2)
I am the only one that can intoxicate you with my eyes
Kahane Ko To Duniyaa Mein (2) Mayakhaane Hazaaron Hain
Although there are thousands of wine houses in this world

In Aankhon Kii Mastii Ke, Mastaane Hazaaron Hain
There are thousands intoxicated by the passion of these eyes,

Is Shamm-e-Farozaan Ko (2) Aandhii Se Daraate Ho (2)
You are trying to frighten this lighted candle with a mere storm,
Is Shamm-e-Farozaan Ke (2) Paravaane Hazaaron Hain
Thousands of moths are drawn to this brilliant candle,

In Aankhon Kii Mastii Ke(2), Mastaane Hazaaron Hain (2)
There are thousands intoxicated by the passion of these eyes,
In Aankhon Se Vaabastaa(2) Afasaane Hazaaron Hain
Thousands of romances have been spun about these eyes,

Trans: Venkat
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


KERALA ACTRESS ASIN THOTTUMKAL....SPEAKS MANY LANGUAGES..


Lyrics: Shabih Abbas
Album: Meraj-e-Ghazal

(7) SALONA SA SAJAN

Sorry for the delay - the holiday season is taking its toll....
Here are the lyrics and translation.

salona sa sajan hai aur main huun (2)
There is my dark lover, and there is me
jiya mein ik agan hai aur main huun
there is a burning in my soul, and there is me
salona sa sajan hai aur main huun
There is my dark lover, and there is me

tumhaare ruup ki chhaaya mein saajan (2)
in the shade of your beauty, my lover
badi thandi jalan hai aur main huun
the burning is cool, and there is me
salona sa sajan hai aur main huun
There is my dark lover, and there is me

churaaye chain, raaton ko jagaaye (2)
it steals my peace, keeps me up nights
piya ka ye chalan hai aur main huun
my lover's style does, and there is me
salona sa sajan hai aur main huun
There is my dark lover, and there is me

piya ke saamane ghuunghat utha de (2)
in front of my lover, take off my veil,
badi chanchal pawan hai aur main huun
there is the wanton breeze, and there is me
salona sa sajan hai aur main huun
There is my dark lover, and there is me

rachegi jab mere haathon mein menhadi
when my hands get adorned with henna,
usi din ki lagan hai aur main huun
there will be only the love of the day, and me
jiya mein ik agan hai aur main huun
there is a burning in my soul, and there is me
salona sa sajan hai aur main huun
There is my dark lover, and there is me


Trans: Venkat

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:


AS BEAUTIFUL AS THEY COME......

Sorry, folks. My preview post said this was from Umrao Jaan. That was a mistake.

Poet: Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi
Composer: Ghulam Ali
Album: Meraj-e-Ghazal

(6) HAIRATON KE SILSILE

hairaton ke silsile soz-e-nihan tak aa gaye (2)
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings
ham to dil tak chaahate the, tum to jaan tak aa gaye
I wished you would come into my heart, but you have reached into my very soul

hairaton ke silsile soz-e-nihan tak aa gaye
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings


zulf mein khushbuu na thi ya rang aariz mein na tha (2)
the fragrance from my tresses was gone, so was the color from my cheeks
aap kisaki justajuu mein gulasitaan tak aa gaye
whom were you seeking, that you have come as far as the garden?
hairaton ke silsile soz-e-nihan tak aa gaye
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings


khud tumhein chaak-e-garebaa.n ka sha_uur aa jaayega (2)
you will get to know what is inside my heart
tum wahaan tak aa to jaao ham jahaan tak aa gaye
just come along to where I have reached so far
hairaton ke silsile soz-e-nihan tak aa gaye
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings



unaki palakon pe sitaare apane ho.nton pe hansii (2)
stars (teardrops) on his eyelids, a smile on my lips,
qissa-e-gham kahate kahate ham yahaan tak aa gaye
just telling sad stories, we reached thus far already

ham to dil tak chaahate the, tum to jaan tak aa gaye
I wished you would come into my heart, but you have reached into my very soul
hairaton ke silsile soz-e-nihan tak aa gaye
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings

Trans: Venkat

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:



HAIRATON KE SILSILE

Poet: Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi
Composer: Ghulam Ali
Album: Meraj-e-Ghazal

If one was listening to the recitation of the above poem, they would be awed by the Romance of the Urdu Language and the exclamation would surely be "wah wah" how wonderful and expertly translated by Venkat.

More or less if you are in love, then these words would be hitting at your heart, giving you the impression that "my lover communicates" his/her feelings:

Great Job Venkat:
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

SO FAR (OUT OF OUR PROJECTED 25 GHAZALS FOR ASHA B) WE HAVE PRESENTED:

1) DIL CHEEZ KYA HAI
Never mind my heart, Take my very life!

2) JUSTUJU JISKI THI
I did not find the one I had been searching for

3) RAAT JO TU NE DEEP BUJHAAYE, MERE THE
The flames that you put out last night, they were mine,

4) DARD JAB TERI ATAA HAI
Since the pain is your gift, to whom could I complain?

5) IN AANKHON KI MASTII KE
There are thousands intoxicated by the passion of these eyes,

6) HAIRATON KE SILSILE
Never-ending surprises, you have reached my innermost feelings

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:



GHAZALS OF UMRAO JAAN:
These were and can be regarded as classics because of their popularity and the conviction that Ashaji put into bringing these to the fore IN AANKHON KI MASTI, JUSTU JU, YE KYA JAGE HAIN DOSTON, all proves her critics wrong, her superb renditions puts her right up there with the Ghazals Greats:
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

VIDEO: ASHA BHOSLE GHAZAL:Aur Kya Ehde Wafa - (Sunny - 1984)

SHARMILA TAGORE DOING JUSTICE TO YET ANOTHER CLASSIC BY ASHAJI:

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

VIDEO: ASHA BHOSLE: GHAZAL: Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo

This ghazal was done by so many artistes, the rendition by Farida Khanum was outstanding: also that of Habeeb Wali Mohammad: Today we present the version by Ashaji:

Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Tonight, don't insist on leaving
Yunhi pehlu mein bethey raho
Sit here close to me
Haaye mar jaayein ge
I will die
Hum to lutt jaayein ge
I will be lost
Aisi baatein kiya na karo
Don't say such things
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Tonight, don't insist on leaving

Tumhi socho zara
Just ponder for a second
kyu'n na rokein tumhey
Why shouldn't I stop you?
jaan jaati hai jab uth ke jaatey ho tum
When my life leaves every time you go
tum ko apni qasam jaan-e-jaa'n
I swear to you, my love
baat itni meri maan lo
Listen to my one request
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Tonight, don't insist on leaving

Waqt ki qaed mein zindagi hai magar
Life is trapped in time's prison but
chand gharriya'n yahi hain jo aazaad hain
These are the few moments that are free
inko khho kar kaheen jaan-e-jaa\'n
By losing them, my love
umr bhar na tarastey raho
Don't start a life of regret
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Tonight, don't insist on leaving

Kitna masoom aur rangeen hai yeh sama
How innocent and colorful is the weather
husn aur ishq ki aaj me\'raj hai
It is the reign of beauty and love
kal ki kis ko khabar jaan-e-jaa\'n
Who knows what tomorrow will bring
rok lo aaj ki raat ko
Let's stop this night right here
Aaj jaane ki zid na karo
Tonight, don't insist on leaving

Trans: Ayesha Kaljuvee
.

CONCERT PHOTOGRAPH IN DUBAI:

.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

VIDEO: ASHA BHOSLE'S "SARAKTI JAYE HAI" AHISTA AHISTA:

Sarakatii jaaye hai rukh se naqaab ahista ahistaa
Nikalata aa rahaa hai aaftaab ahistaa ahistaa
Sarakatii jaaye hai rukh se naqaab ahista ahistaa

(Jawaan hone lage jab vo to ham se kar liyaa pardaa)2
Hayaa yakalakht aayii aur shabaab ahista ahistaa
Nikalata aa rahaa hai aaftaab ahistaa ahistaa

Vo bedardii se sar kaate "ameer" aur main kahuun un se
Huzuur aahistaa aahistaa, janaab ahistaa ahista
Sarakatii jaaye hai rukh se naqaab ahista ahistaa

A couple of verses were omitted in this recording:

This one was also done by Jagjit Singh and his rendition were
heavenly...........so soothing that the listener keeps asknig for more
and more and then some more.
.

NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION: EVERYONE KNOWS THESE PERSONALITY:
.

GHAZALS BY THE SINGING DIVA: ASHA BHOSLE:

quote:

This one was also done by Jagjit Singh and his rendition were
heavenly...........so soothing that the listener keeps asknig for more
and more and then some more.

I know that we are featuring Ashaji, but I enjoyed this one so much, I have to share with you guys:

Artist: Jagjit Singh
Album: Come Alive In Concert

Sarakatii jaaye hai rukh se naqaab ahistaa ahistaa
Nikalataa aa rahaa hai aaftaab ahistaa ahistaa

Jawaan hone lage jab vo to ham se kar liyaa pardaa
Hayaa yakalakht aayii aur shabaab ahistaa ahistaa

Shabefurkat kaa jaagaa huun farishton ab to sone do
Kabhii fursat men kar lenaa hisaab ahista aahistaa

Savaale vasl par unako uduu kaa khauf hai itanaa
Vo? honthon se dete hain javaab aahistaa aahistaa

Hamaare aur tumhaare pyar men bas fark hai itanaa
Idhar to jaldii jaldii hai udhar aahistaa aahistaa

Vo bedardii se sar kaaTe "ameer" aur main kahuun un se
Huzuur aahistaa aahistaa, janaab ahistaa ahistaa

VIDEO:Sarakti jaye hai rukh se naqaab - Jagjit Singh

Why did we leave this one out when we featured Jagjit Singh, Could you say Venkat?

The tabla player is so commanding, anyone know his name?
.