Manoj Kumar: Asha Bhosle songs will remain evergreen

Veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle turns 79 today.

While the doyen celebrated her birthday days ahead of the actual date, several Bollywood stars, singers and musicians paid their tribute to Ashaji.

Manoj Kumar

Love may fade, stars may die but her tremendously soulful tracks will remain evergreen and continue to be a part of our subconscious.

I cannot tell which of her songs is my favourite because I love all of them.

How can one not like an Asha Bhosle song? Did she ever sing a bad song? Listening to her has been the closest I have come to experiencing magic.

She will turn 80 next year but look at her! So youthful, cheerful and lively. That in itself is so inspirational.

I pray that she lives for a thousand years because it will be difficult to find another Asha Bhosle.

Besides being the great singer that she is, she is also an exceptionally kind person.

Once when I was a young boy of 16, I just went to her apartment and knocked on the door. The maid opened it and I used my father's name to get inside. Ashaji welcomed me. I didn't think she would have the time to meet me as she was very busy. But she spared a half hour, heard me sing and encouraged me to pursue music. I can never forget that.
 
Favourite Asha Bhosle song: Oh mere sona re from the film Teesri Manzil, music composed by R D Burman.

Every single thing that I know about music is due to her.

There is so much to learn just by listening to the songs she has sung. I hope we listen to her songs till the world comes to an end.

Let's pray that her soulful tracks always remain in our hearts and continue to overwhelm us. She has always been very kind to me.

What better fortune than to get to perform along with her? The first time I did an international concert, it was with Ashaji. I was surprised by how graciously she treated me and warmly introduced me to everyone.

She is so friendly and comfortable to be around. She made even a shy man like me dance!
 
Favourite Asha Bhosle song: Tum se milke from the film Parinda, music by R D Burman.

She is a singer who has truly explored the potential of music to its fullest.

I feel fortunate to live at a time when Asha Bhosle is around. Her legacy will be remembered by generations to come.
 
Favourite Asha Bhosle song: Nigahen milane ko jee chahta hai from the film Dil Hee To Hai, music composed by Roshan.

Ashaji for me is greater than the universe we inhabit. 

When I knew the celebrations of her birthday are happening, I left everything to be a part of them. We have done innumerable shows together and I can only thank my stars for this kind fortune.

I wish every artist is gifted with the talent that Ashaji has been endowed with.
 
Favourite Asha Bhosle song: Dil cheez kya hai from the film Umrao Jaan, music composed by Khayyam.

Mai (mother) is the only word that I can think of right now. She means that to me.

I'm grateful for the fact that through Indian Idol I got a chance to interact with her and I can tell you that each moment spent on the show was surreal.

There is so much to learn from her. I feel that I have become better in my craft after talking to her.

I'm just too happy that I'm a part of the Asha Bhosle experience.

I cannot name a favourite Asha Bhosle song, obviously!

She is like our mother. You can only learn from her and try to replicate at least five percent of it.

She is the goddess of music globally and on her birthday I wish her very good health, prosperity and more songs! We are not yet satisfied!

Favourite Asha Bhosle song: Abhi na jao chhod kar from the film Hum Dono, music composed by Jaidev.