Asha Bhosle Family Tree: The Story Behind The Second-Most-Recorded Indian Singer

Asha Bhosle (born Asha Mangeshkar), born 8 September 1933 in Sangli, Bombay Presidency (now Maharashtra), India, is one of Bollywood's most-celebrated playback singers — sister of Lata Mangeshkar; 11,000+ songs in 20+ languages; 2 National Film Awards; Padma Vibhushan (2008); Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000).

The Family's Roots: A Konkani Saraswat Brahmin Family

The Mangeshkar family is Konkani Goud Saraswat Brahmin from Mangeshi village, Goa. (Same as Lata.)

Her Parents

Father: Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar (1900–1942) — Marathi classical singer.

Mother: Shevanti Mangeshkar — homemaker.

Her Siblings

Lata Mangeshkar (1929–2022) — eldest sister; Bharat Ratna; legendary playback singer.

Meena Khadikar (1931) — singer.

Usha Mangeshkar (1935) — singer.

Hridaynath Mangeshkar (b. 1937) — music composer.

Her First Husband: Ganpatrao Bhosle

Ganpatrao Bhosle — Lata's personal secretary; Asha eloped with him at age 16 (1949) against her family's wishes; the marriage was abusive and ended in 1960. They had three children before separating.

Children with Ganpatrao

Hemant Bhosle (1950–2015) — son.

Varsha Bhosle (1956–2012) — daughter; columnist (died of suicide).

Anand Bhosle — son.

Her Second Husband: RD Burman

Rahul Dev "RD" Burman (1939–1994) — Bollywood music composer; son of SD Burman. Asha and RD married 1980 after years of collaboration. RD died of a heart attack in 1994.

The Mangeshkar / Bhosle Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar (1900–1942).

Mother: Shevanti Mangeshkar.

Siblings: Lata Mangeshkar (1929–2022) — Bharat Ratna; Meena (b. 1931); Usha (b. 1935); Hridaynath (b. 1937).

First Husband: Ganpatrao Bhosle (m. 1949, sep. 1960) — Lata's secretary.

Children: Hemant (1950–2015); Varsha (1956–2012, suicide); Anand.

Second Husband: RD Burman (1939–1994; m. 1980).

Asha Bhosle:

  • Born 8 September 1933, Sangli
  • Eloped at 16 with Ganpatrao Bhosle
  • Bollywood playback debut: Chunariya (1948)
  • Career: 11,000+ songs; 2 National Awards; 8 Filmfare Awards
  • Major songs: "In Aankhon Ki Masti Ke" (Umrao Jaan 1981 — National Award), "Dil Cheez Kya Hai" (Umrao Jaan), "Mehbooba Mehbooba" (Sholay), "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja" (Caravan), "Aaja Aaja Main Hoon Pyar Tera" (Teesri Manzil), "Chura Liya Hai Tumne" (Yaadon Ki Baaraat), "Yeh Mera Dil" (Don), "Parde Mein Rehne Do" (Shikar)
  • Padma Vibhushan: 2008
  • Dadasaheb Phalke Award: 2000
  • 2 National Awards (1981 Umrao Jaan; 1986 Ijaazat)
  • 8 Filmfare Awards
  • Owner of Asha's restaurants (Dubai chain since 2002)
  • Continued recording into her 80s

What the Mangeshkar / Bhosle Family Story Teaches Us

A father who died when she was 9. Four musician siblings. A first marriage at 16 that was abusive and produced three children. A daughter who died by suicide in 2012. A second marriage to a music legend who died of a heart attack in 1994. A career that produced over 11,000 songs.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Asha story carries the same lesson. Some careers continue through marriage failures and personal losses.

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