‘Are You Ashamed Of Me?’, Chin2 Bhosle, Asha Bhosle’s Grandson Recalls Making ‘Aai’ Upset With Him

When it comes to Chin2 Bhosle’s connection with music, it is something rooted in personal emotion and lived experience. During a recent conversation with ETimes, the singer-composer opened up about several things related to his grandmother, legendary singer, Asha Bhosle. He spoke about the memories they shared, the life lessons she has left behind, and how they continue to shape him as a person. 

Chin2 Bhosle on his tribute to his grandmother, Asha Bhosle 

Chint2 Bhosle recalled that there were two songs which he did for his grandmother, Asha Bhosle. This includes the popular song, Chalte Chalte, which most people have heard. He said that the second song is called Main Chala which is built on the perspective of going away. He explained that it was like “I came to sing something, I lost it, and I have nothing left now, I am leaving.” Apparently, Chin2 wrote these songs 2 years ago when Asha was dealing with the loss of her eldest son, Hemant Bhosle (Chin2’s father), and her second child, Varsha (Chin2’s aunt). He recalled:

“We were sitting together one day, and she was in great pain and grief. That’s when I wrote these songs. I composed and sang them as a scratch and told her, ‘Okay, the song is ready.’ She heard it, had tears in her eyes, and cried. She was very emotional. She said, ‘Sorry, Chintu, I can’t sing this because I get too emotional when I hear it. I can’t stop crying. I don’t want to hear this song again. I said, ‘Okay, I’m so sorry. That was not my intention.” 

However, contrary to what she said, Asha wanted to hear the song again just three months later. After breaking down again, she says she didn’t want to hear it, which led Chin2 to put the song on hold. When Asha passed away, his friends started asking him what he would do in tribute to her. That is when Chin2 realised there would be nothing better than this song, as it was “made for her.” He said that the words and language used in the song are exactly how he would talk to Asha. 

Chin2 Bhosle, on how Asha Bhosle called him to perform with her for the first time

While Chint2 and Asha have performed together many times, the former specifically recalled their first show, which was about 15 years ago in Surat. Chint2 said he would never ask his grandmother to let him perform with her because he didn’t want to pressure her. However, Chin2 revealed that he told Asha he would use emotional blackmail on her as her grandson because he actually wanted to perform with her. He told her to tell him when she feels he is ready to perform together with her. Finally, one day when they were chatting together, Asha asked him what he was doing this weekend and when Chin2 said nothing, she told her to come. Chin2 said:

“I literally jumped out of my chair. Finally. I remember our first duet – there was an interlude. I’m more of a Western performer, so I don’t stand still during interludes. She was singing, looking down, looking up. So I held her hand and gave her a little twirl. We danced a bit. She was taken aback at first, then she got into it.” 

Chin2 Bhosle recalled making his ‘Aai’, Asha Bhosle, upset 

When Chin2 was asked how Band of Boys shaped his journey, he said that it did quite well. However, people would often ask if he is related to Asha Bhosle. While he would not deny it, he would dodge it humorously because he wanted people to get to know him first. He said that later, Asha heard one such interview of his and got upset. He was quoted as saying:

“She asked, ‘Are you ashamed of me?’ I said, ‘Not at all. I’m proud. But I wanted people to say – I know Chin2, and oh, he’s also Ashaji’s grandson.’ That feels more earned. Eventually, I told her – now I will proudly say it. And she says, ‘Yes, you should.’” 

What are your thoughts on Chin2 Bhosle making Asha Bhosle upset by not wanting to reveal that he was her grandson? Let us know. 

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