ENCOUNTER
THE MAGAZINE
India Abroad August 5, 2011
‘My greatest fear is
having no work’
The legendary Asha Bhosle talks to Preeti Arora
about becoming an actress at age 77
At 77, Asha Bhosle makes her act- ing debut with Maaee. And no, it isn’t a cameo or a guest appear- ance. She is the protagonist. The legendary Bollywood singer dis-
cusses her decision to choose a path most
veterans would never contemplate.
Tell us something about Maaee.
No, absolutely not. If I tell you the story,
my producer will get angry with me and
you won’t watch the film. See it in the the-
ater and decide for yourself.
All right then, tell us about your role.
Well, I am not playing a vamp or a sexy
siren. No love scenes were written for me. I
am a mother and a grandmother. That’s
what I am in real life too. It’s an avatar I’m
comfortable with. My role on-screen is mere-
ly an extension of my off-screen persona. It’s
simple.
You have been shooting for long stretches
but show no signs of fatigue.
Oh, well (smiles impishly), I guess age is
on my side. On a more serious note, I have
worked very hard all my life. I have brought
up my kids single-handedly. So, a strenuous
routine is something I thrive on, not shy
away from.
How did this film come about?
Most of the people I work with become
family friends. The co-producer of this film,
What if one person from your inner circle had
dissuaded you?
I would have opted out. I was looking for an
escape route, which unfortunately did not open up.
Tell us about your co-actors.
Each one is a star in his, or her, own right. Ram
Kapoor is a formidable actor. But there are no ego
hassles. Padmini Kolhapure is a close relative, so I
Since you talked about love scenes, would you
consider that too?
I’m not saying yes, but then I am not saying no
either. I never imagined I would be acting at my
age. Maybe some other things, which I haven’t
visualized might just happen.
PARESH GANDHI
