I hate a sleepy, nonresponsive, and silent audience because it fails to excite me as a performer.
— Asha Bhosle
In my opinion, anybody can sing. If they have a voice, they must sing.
In the studio, you can redo things. In concert, you only have one shot at it, so you have to try to be as perfect as possible.
I performed six concerts all over the U.S.S.R. during the time of Gorbachev. The entire audience was Russian. There were no Indians. Period. The audience turned out in large numbers and gave standing ovations to all my songs. They knew each song. That was an amazing experience.
Songs, for me, are notes from the heart.
Cooking well, with love, is an art.
I want to empower girls so that they are treated as equals to the boys in the country.
Every concert of mine is different in terms of song selection.
I always like to do something different in every song.
I am thankful to all the people who have loved and listened to me.
I am a restless person.
My rebellion has always been positive and connected with my work. That's how I've sung in foreign languages and collaborated with international artistes.
I prefer selective memories. Some songs and some co-workers are all that I want to remember, as memories are not always so pleasant.
I'm mentally agile.
I never think about the past. Why waste time thinking about something I cannot change.
I believe in destiny and the philosophy of karma.
The music industry is an unforgiving place, and it shall unceremoniously show you the door if you can't perform to high standards.
I never think about retiring - because you retire, you die.
If you don't try out new things, then you will be left behind.
Music has given me great solace in my times of hardship. It has also brought me fame and wealth, and I owe everything to music.
I've enjoyed my life. There has been great tragedy but also moments of great happiness. I've taken both in my stride, and if I were to replay my life, I would do it all over again.
I was too naive when I started out. It was hard to understand the workings of the industry. But rejection and ridicule pushed me to discover my individuality. I wanted success on my terms.
Cooking fills the stomach, and music fills the mind.
Hindi film music has always been completely driven by the plot. We singers never had any say in compositions.
If we don't put some acting in a dance song, no one would be able to dance on it.
I feel career women should avoid getting married.
I have received many awards, love, and recognition.
I have sung in over 20 different languages and enjoyed it. I have even sung in foreign languages like Spanish and Russian.
Every day of my life has been a challenge - from singing a song that is not my type to being asked suddenly to sing a classical song with no practice.
I lost my childhood. When girls of my age were studying and playing, I was married off.
I never regret any of the work I've done.
Initially, when I got into the world of music, I was treated like an underdog.
I constantly need something new and challenging.
Singapore has always held a special place in my heart.
I used to work from 7 A.M. till 3 A.M.
With a live audience, if you sing with the right feeling, the response you get is a high, an excitement. There's nothing in the studio that can give you anything quite like that.
I can understand my popularity with the Indian diaspora, but I do get surprised when non-Indians recognise my music.
There can be no technique or formula for creativity.
You cannot enter a studio and just start crooning before the mike. It is essential to understand the mind of the composer, mood of the song, and meter of the tune.
If a biopic is ever made on me, Priyanka Chopra will be able to do justice to my character. She is not only talented, but I also like the way she conducts herself. I am happy that she is making her presence felt in Hollywood.
I don't run after money or fame. The only thing I have always wished is to be a classical singer.
We have to put expressions in a song when we sing it.
I have sung every song with the same dedication like I sang my first number.
I went to London in the '70s and also visited Madame Tussauds there. At that time, the only Indian figure that was exhibited there was of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's.
I have always been rebellious, but that is because I've wanted to do different things, try out new things.
My mother was progressive in her thinking.
I take care of my skin, and I'm a teetotaller.
When I began my career, I worked purely for the money.
Take risks. Never say die. It has worked for me.
We have been using Ayurveda for generations, and it has been a vital part of the family.
