Beyond The Mic, Asha Bhosle Had A Love Of Food

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – Asha Bhosle, the iconic playback singer who defined the sound of Indian cinema for over seven decades, has died at 92. Beyond her unparalleled musical legacy, Bhosle was also a celebrated culinary enthusiast whose passion for cooking led to the creation of an international fine-dining restaurant chain.

Bhosle frequently drew parallels between her two primary passions. In a 2015 interview with the BBC, she said, “I love cooking as much as I love singing. Cooking comes from the heart… It should be made with love, for others to enjoy, just like singing.”

Her culinary expertise was well known within the film industry. She regularly hosted large gatherings at her home, sometimes preparing meals for 60 to 70 guests in large vessels. In a 2025 interview with Curly Tales, she said, “My food is famous throughout the industry.”

Bhosle’s repertoire was shaped by techniques gathered from mentors and regional traditions throughout her life. Speaking to Curly Tales about her signature maa ki daal, she said, “As for my lentils… what people call ‘mother’s lentils’… I learned that from the people of Peshawar. The lentils I make aren’t found anywhere else.”

Her culinary knowledge also included learning to make momos from actor Mala Sinha and picking up Peshawari biryani tips from legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. In a 2021 interview with Gulf News, she said she learned dal makhani from Afghan chefs at Bukhara and refined her biryani techniques from the wife of lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri.

In 2002, Bhosle transformed her hobby into a professional enterprise by founding the ‘Asha’s’ restaurant chain. Beginning in Dubai, the brand expanded across the UAE and later England.

Bhosle remained closely involved in the restaurants, regularly collaborating with chefs to refine recipes and maintain standards.