Lata Mangeshkar was considered one of the greatest singers in India. Her contribution to the Indian music industry was immense. She was the eldest of her four siblings – Meena Khadikar, Asha Bhosle, Usha Mangeshkar and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. While her songs had always been the highlight of her career, her camaraderie with her sister Asha Bhosle was also something that grabbed a lot of attention.
Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle had a special bond since they were children. So much so that on her first day of school, Lata left because they refused to let her bring her sister Asha with her. Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle, both sisters, began singing to support their families.
On February 6, singer Lata Mangeshkar died of Covid-19 complications. Asha Bhosle would frequently visit her in the hospital. The singer also revealed to ETimes that she performed a special puja at her home for Lata Mangeshkar. “Unke ghar par (Prabhukunj, Peddar Road) Shiv Bhagawan ke rudras bithaye hain aur puja-paath kar rahe hain for her recovery.”
Asha Bhosle once opened up about rumours of a “sibling rivalry” with her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar in an interview with a leading daily. “She’s my sister and my favourite singer,” Asha Bhosle said, dismissing the rumours. People did spread rumours and try to cause havoc, but blood is thicker than water. I recall that sometimes when both of us were at a function, some industry types would ignore me and interact only with her, as if to demonstrate their loyalty. Didi and I would have a good laugh later.”
Both Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle worked in the Indian music industry around the same time, but their songs were very different. “He’d give didi (Lata Mangeshkar) all the sweet, romantic songs and every time he’d want to experiment with the form he’d call me to sing,” Asha told Mumbai Mirror of the songs RD Burman would give to Lata. He’d address me as Duniya Mein or Piya Tu (Caravan), Oh Meri Jaan Main Ne Kaha (The Train), or Aaja Aaja, O Mere Sona (Teesri Manzil).”