When I think of Asha Bhosle, my mind goes straight to the four or five stalwart singers ever to be born besides her — Mohammed Rafi saab, Lata Mangeshkarji, Mukeshji, Manna Dey, and of course Kishore Kumar. These singers could put life into songs and make them immortal. They were the epitome of love.

My fondest memory of Asha didi is from before she would even step up to the microphone. She would often sit by herself, quietly, and practise classical paltas at length. Nobody would really notice, as everyone would be busy with their own work. I used to quietly watch her doing that and wonder — if this was just the way she was warming up, what could be the depth of her real riyaaz.