Asha Aai is the definition of inspiration and hope: Zanai Bhosle on growing up with a legend

Born into one of Indian music’s most celebrated families, Zanai Bhosle has grown up with melody as a way of life rather than a distant legacy. As the granddaughter of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, she has witnessed the discipline, warmth and storytelling that define the icon beyond the stage, from early-morning riyaaz sessions to intimate conversations over coffee. Now carving her own path as a singer, composer, lyricist and actor, Zanai reflects on the lessons she has absorbed from her grandmother, the memories that shaped her love for music, and how she hopes to honour a towering legacy while building a voice distinctly her own. Excerpts...You come from an extraordinary musical legacy. Do you ever feel the pressure of carrying such a legendary surname? How do you balance honouring your grandmother's legacy while creating your own identity?I’m not someone who gets easily pressured, perhaps that’s a family trait. My grandmother is the same way, and she has instilled that confidence in me.The only way I can honour her name is by staying true to myself, my art and my voice. All I can do is give my absolute best and hope people recognise that I am an individual artist trying to express myself through music.I have developed my own style of singing, which has been encouraged by people I deeply respect, including Rahman Sir. I’m also extremely grateful to the fans who have supported my voice and music over the past year.

I hope to continue being authentic, and I hope those who are part of my journey will keep enjoying the music I create. What has it been like growing up around Asha Bhosle, not just as an icon to the world, but as ‘Aaji’ to you?When I was born, the doctor placed me in my grandmother’s arms, with my father standing beside her. As she looked at my newborn face, she turned to him and said, “I have gone back 40 years in time. She reminds me of you.”

That was the moment when a grandparent–grandchild bond was formed.I feel incredibly grateful to have spent my formative years, teenage years and young adulthood surrounded by my close family, including this extraordinary lady whom I fondly call Asha Aai. Interestingly, I didn’t fully realise their greatness until much later. As a child, I was simply showered with affection and love — a childhood joy that I will cherish all my life.Asha Aai and I are both early risers. She barely sleeps four hours because she believes sleeping is a waste of productive time. As soon as she wakes up to a quiet house, she brings out her harmonium and tanpura and begins her riyaaz. Around 7 am, I join her for our daily coffee and conversations. She shares stories of her childhood, her siblings, growing up in a world very different from ours, and of course memories from her remarkable professional journey with some of the greatest musicians of all time.I simply sit and listen. Although she has no formal education, her life experiences have taught her far more than many college graduates. During these morning chats, she also quizzes me about my life — how it’s shaping up and what I want to achieve. Through those conversations, parts of myself I didn’t know existed begin to surface, and I learn something new about life, music and human nature.As a composer, lyricist, singer and actor, I often sing my new compositions to her.

She closes her eyes and listens carefully, then offers suggestions on how the tune could be structured. She often refers to my step-grandfather, the late Rahul Dev Burman, describing how he composed and recorded his music. Every moment spent with Asha Aai is a new learning experience, and one I will cherish forever.What are some of the most valuable musical or life lessons she has taught you that guide your journey today?My grandmother truly embodies “inspiration” and “hope” — just as her name, Asha, suggests.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from her is that she never gives up. In many ways, I have adopted that quality from her.There are moments in life when we question ourselves — our abilities and even our character. But what truly differentiates one person from another is hope and belief. I’ve seen this both in my own experiences and in hers. So all I can say is: Asha rakho — keep hope alive.That hope is what helps you face every curveball life throws at you.

Just as she rose like a phoenix from the ashes, one day you will too.Is there a particular memory, from rehearsals, recordings, or family moments, that captures your bond with her and shaped your love for music?I have many memories of rehearsing with her for her concerts. I play a small role in them, but those experiences are incredibly special. At the moment, I’m also enjoying performing with A. R. Rahman, whose dedication to music is equally inspiring.One memory that stands out is from the time I released my latest track, Adatein. I had come home from the studio around 1 am, tired and hungry.

As I sat at the table humming the melody, she asked me what I was singing. I replied nervously, “Oh, it’s just a new melody.”She smiled and said, “Pancham ki bhi aadat thi ki gaana banate banate time pe khana nahin khaate the — tum bhi unki hi tarah ho!” In that moment, she unknowingly gave the melody its name. That song eventually became Adatein, and today it is one of her favourite songs of mine.As a young artist in today’s evolving music landscape, how are you blending tradition with modern influences?My grandmother’s generation were classic artistes, and what they achieved can never truly be replicated.

But even they created their own identities and adapted to changing musical styles during their time — and I believe I must do the same.This is the era of Gen Z, and I am part of that generation. But that doesn’t mean I ignore what came before. I absorb what is timeless and blend it with my own sensibilities.If you listen closely to my compositions, you will hear subtle nuances of my family’s musical heritage. As I often say, the journey continues.I also write the lyrics for my songs. And I’d like to end with lines from Robert Frost that perfectly capture my grandmother’s spirit:“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,And miles to go before I sleep.”