Asha arrives at the restaurant
'Ashaji' continues to wow crowds Asha looks back at opening of 'Asha's'
ON SUNDAY, May 15 at 7 pm, M.H Alshaya hosted a 'Meet & Greet' at 'Asha's' with Asha Bhosle the original diva from India who combines in her voice the power and depth of a classical singer, the playful huskiness of a cabaret dancer, the youthful exuberance of an eighteen year old and the soulful maturity of a ghazal singer. Asha once said, "There are limitless things you can do with your voice as long as you can ally your technique with feelings."
There are not many who can lay claim to the creative versatility which she has also extended to her restaurants. Launched in Kuwait in 2004 by M.H Al Shaya one of the leading names in International franchise retailing, trading from more than 750 stores across the Middle East , it has firmly established its own clientele that favour Indian vegetarian and non vegetarian food.
Whether it is Awadhi Dahi Machli, a fillet of hammour cooked in spicy yoghurt gravy or Kabab Sultan Puri, a lamb mince kebab stuffed with chopped onions and mint leaves, 'Asha's' offers a myriad options to pander to the taste buds. Ashaji met Mohammed Al Shaya at her restaurant in Dubai where he was a regular client.
"I noticed this Kuwaiti gentleman visiting the restaurant in Dubai on a regular basis. Someone told me he is an important Kuwaiti. One day he decided that instead of enjoying my food in Dubai , he would open my restaurant in his own country and that's how 'Asha's' came to Kuwait in 2004," she smiled. Even after more than six decades she continues to have a strong hold on her audience as was seen on Sunday evening as the restaurant on Gulf Road exploded, when Ashaji gave an impromptu rendition of one of her evergreen and difficult songs from 'Umrao Jaan'.
Tour
Asha Bhosle is in Kuwait as part of her regional tour of her famed restaurant chain in Kuwait and Qatar . On May 15 and 16, she appeared at 'Asha's' restaurant and during her visit hosted cocktail receptions for VIPs and members of the press.
Throughout her career which spans more than a staggering six decades Asha Bhosle has never backed away from experimenting, whether it is collaborating with Boy George in the early Eighties, or singing a love song with the boy band Code Red at the age of 64, or re-recording R.D Burman compositions for the American string quartet Kronos Quartet in 2005.
Likewise her immense passion for cooking has seen the same need for experimentation. "I believe that cooking involves a lot of improvisation just as it does in music." Her restaurants which run successfully through the Gulf and UK , specialize in traditional North Western Indian cuisine. In Kuwait M.H Al Shaya runs three restaurants at the Avenues Mall, Marina Mall and a third new outlet at the Spoon's Complex.
"There are 'Ashas's' running in different countries, but it is only in Kuwait that there are 'Ashas's' running and running well. This shows that you not only like my singing, but are also fond of my kind of food."
As she mentioned to the Arab Times on her last visit to Kuwait , cooking was a passion that with time turned into a flourishing business. "I was asked to write a cookbook by my son Anand, but I refused. When he came up with the idea of a restaurant, I agreed." It was her son Anand Bhosle, who inspired her to take her love for cooking to the masses. "I remember my son Anand coming back home and telling me that did not really enjoy eating out and that he missed my cooking."
Ashaji, a prolific cook had always cooked for her children and family. "You will not find the same affection or love which a mother adds to her food elsewhere," she said with a smile.
Ashaji was just 11 when she first lent her voice to playback singing and now at 77 she continues unabated, touring the world with her music. In March she was feted by the British House of Commons as an "icon" who has made India proud. Recently Ashaji made her acting debut in a film titled 'Maaee'.
A firm believer in woman power she says, "I believe women should do everything. They should bring up their children, cook, sing, dance, work and do whatever they enjoy and do it good. I believe in it very strongly."
Refined
Over the years Asha Bhosle has refined her culinary interests as well as her musical talents. In the same way her songs have inspired generations, her recipes capture the essence of traditional food. Her visit also marks the prelaunch of the 'Journey Through India' festival which will feature regional dishes from all across India handpicked by her and the chefs.
"Someone asked me today the meaning of my name," she said addressing the gathering. "I explained that my name means 'hope', that without me (hope) Man cannot live his life. It is hope that keeps us going. Each day we hope that tomorrow will be a better day. My name has brought me into your homes each day of your lives." She said to thunderous applause.
Asha Bhosle embodies the Renaissance woman. She is the ever evolving professional, homemaker, mother, student, teacher and friend. Each moment is special and to be lived to the fullest. It is a lesson to be imbibed. "Now I am 77. I still cook. I still sing. And I still try to do everything with youthful exuberance," she laughed.
By: Chaitali B. Roy - Special to the Arab Times
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