New Delhi, Music icon Asha Bhosle, a firm believer in destiny, says she was meant to sing only one song for the 1981 classic "Umrao Jaan" but ended up lending her voice to the entire soundtrack. Directed by Muzaffar Ali and starring Rekha in the title role, the film earned Bhosle her first National Film Award for best female playback singer. The singer, who turned 91 on Sunday, sang chartbusters such as "Dil Cheez Kya Hai", "Inn Aankhon Ki Masti Ke", "Ye Kya Jagah Hai Doston", "Jab Bhi Milti Hai", and "Justuju Jiski Thi".
Khayyam composed the music of "Umrao Jaan" and Shahryar penned the lyrics. Bhosle said she "became Umrao Jaan" after reading the 1905 Urdu novel "Umrao Jaan Ada" on which the film was based. "I had one song in the film.
I said ok and the producer gave me the 'Umrao Jaan' book. All the songs were set in one tone. I read it and became Umrao Jaan.
"I was supposed to sing just one song and I ended up singing for all the songs in the film. This is destiny, isn't? All songs were hits," the illustrious singer told Doordarshan in an interview. At 91, what keeps her going? "I don't do anything to look young like it happens these days.
Someone who is happy from within and is positive, they have a good outlook towards life. I stay positive, embrace learning, and only pursue what I love, guided by my unwavering faith in God." Bhosle said she and her elder sister, the late melody queen Lata Mangeshkar had "somewhat similar" voices but she always wanted to have her own id.