How Asha Bhosle helped Padmini Kolhapure land her first film

Padmini Kolhapure fondly recalled how the late singer Asha Bhosle, a family member, helped her land her first film role. Asha Bhosle, honoured with state awards, died at 92, on April 12.

In Short

• Padmini Kolhapure credits Asha Bhosle for her first film role
• Kolhapure’s father was cousin to Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar
• Bhosle introduced Kolhapure to actor Dev Anand for debut film

Actor Padmini Kolhapure has shared how she secured her first film role thanks to late singer Asha Bhosle, who was also a family member. Kolhapure’s father, the late Pandharinath Kolhapure, was a first cousin of Bhosle and her sister, the late Lata Mangeshkar.

Recalling her early days, Padmini said Asha Bhosle introduced her to the late actor Dev Anand, which led to her debut in Ishk Ishk Ishk (1974). She affectionately called Bhosle 'Asha atya', meaning father's sister in Marathi, and remembers her visiting every Diwali with gifts.

Speaking about Bhosle’s acting debut in the film Mai (2013) at the age of 79, Padmini said that Asha Bhosle agreed to do the film only if she was part of it. The actor also mentioned some of her favourite songs sung by Bhosle that were picturised on her, including Kabhi Kisiko Muqammal Jahan Nahi Milta from Ahista Ahista (1981) and Puchho Na Yaar Kya Hua from Zamaane Ko Dikhana Hai (1981).

Kolhapure shared more personal memories, recalling that on Bhosle’s last birthday, she gifted saris from her personal collection to Padmini and actor-politician Poonam Dhillon. She also noted Bhosle’s fondness for Mooga Mole Randai, a Saraswat dish from Goa, Karwar and Mangalore, which her father used to prepare.

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle died on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. Her last rites were held with state honours at Shivaji Park.

Known as Asha tai, Bhosle’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she became a towering figure in Indian music. She received prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan, recognising her contribution to the industry.

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