Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar: A Tale of Healthy Competition

Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar are two of the most iconic and celebrated singers in the Indian music industry. Their voices have been the soundtrack of countless Bollywood films and have won them numerous accolades and awards. However, there have been rumors of a rivalry between the two sisters over the years. In a 2012 interview with Hindustan Times, Asha Bhosle opened up about these rumors and shed light on the truth behind their relationship.

According to Asha, the rumors of a rivalry between her and Lata were greatly exaggerated. She revealed that they had a healthy competition, which only made them better singers. “We never had any rivalry. It was always a healthy competition. We would listen to each other’s songs and try to do better,” Asha said.

Asha also shared an incident that highlighted the bond between the two sisters. She recalled a time when they were both nominated for the same award. “Lata didi won the award, and I was happy for her. When we came back home, we both had a good laugh about it,” she said.

The sisters’ relationship was not always smooth sailing, however. In the 1998 film Saaz, which was reportedly based on their lives, there was a scene that showed Asha slapping Lata. When asked about this scene in an interview, Asha chuckled and said, “To have two women in long hair fighting is not good. So, we had to make it look real.”

Despite the occasional disagreements, Asha and Lata always had each other’s backs. When Lata passed away in 2022, Asha was devastated. A few weeks later, she was admitted to the hospital after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Her condition deteriorated, and she was put on a ventilator. However, she made a full recovery and was discharged from the hospital.

In conclusion, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar’s relationship was not one of rivalry but of healthy competition. They pushed each other to be better singers and always supported each other. Their bond was unbreakable, and their music will continue to inspire future generations.