Veteran actress Mumtaz recently shared a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away recently, by re-sharing a viral dance video of the two. The clip, which had previously garnered significant attention, captures a candid and joyful moment where Mumtaz playfully coaxes Asha Bhosle to dance to their classic song, "Koi Shehri Babu" from the 1973 film Loafer.
A Special Bond on Display
Recalling the occasion when the video was filmed, Mumtaz revealed that it was during a small gathering hosted by Asha Bhosle at her home. "At the party, people said, ‘Mumtaz, agar Ashaji ko koi nacha sakta hai toh woh sirf aap hi hain.’ So, I tried my best, but she was too shy," Mumtaz shared, smiling as she remembered the sweet reluctance of the iconic vocalist.
Decades of Friendship and Shared Moments
Mumtaz's connection with Asha Bhosle runs deep, extending back to her childhood. She reminisced about their early days as neighbors in Walkeshwar, where Mumtaz's mother also resided. "I would often go to her house and watch movies when I was a little girl," Mumtaz stated. She also described precious moments spent quietly observing Asha Bhosle and her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, practice on the tanpura. "They would play films at home, and while watching, I would often fall asleep in Ashaji’s lap. Over the years, we became like family," she added, highlighting the profound bond they shared.
Recalling Musical Challenges
Beyond their personal friendship, Mumtaz also reflected on their professional collaboration. She recounted Asha Bhosle once telling her that "Aaja O Mere Raja Jannat Ki Sair Karaungi" from Apna Desh (1972) was one of the most challenging songs of her career. The intricate vocal expressions required by the song made it equally demanding for Mumtaz to synchronize her dance steps. Mumtaz concluded by praising Asha Bhosle not just for her immense talent but also for her endearing simplicity, which made her an even more special individual.