Nainital: The passing of legendary singer Asha Bhosle has left the nation emotional, and in Uttarakhand’s lake city, her songs continue to stir memories.
Though she departed on Sunday, her voice still brings alive the beauty of Nainital and the surrounding valleys.
Songs that captured Nainital’s charm
Asha Bhosle’s duets with Mahendra Kapoor in Gumrah — “In hawaon mein, in fizaon mein…” — and with Mohammad Rafi in Din Hain Bahar Ke — “Zindagi ke rang kaye re…” — painted vivid pictures of Nainital’s magical landscapes. These songs, filmed on stars like Sunil Dutt, Mala Sinha, Shashi Kapoor, and Sharmila Tagore, continue to remind listeners of the region’s natural beauty.
The famous film Kati Patang, starring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh, also showcased Nainital. The cabaret number “Mera Naam Hai Shabnam…” filmed here remains iconic. Similarly, Shakeel Badayuni’s song “Lahnga Manga De Mere Babu Aaj Nainital Se…” from the 1969 film Beti gave Nainital nationwide fame.
Ranikhet’s cinematic connection
Historian Professor Anil recalls that Dil Deke Dekho, shot in Ranikhet, marked the debut of Asha Parekh, director Nasir Hussain, and composer Usha Khanna. Its song “Yaar Chulbula Hai…” became hugely popular. The 1972 film Honeymoon, with Asha Bhosle’s “Mere Pyaase Man Ki Bahar…,” was also filmed entirely in Ranikhet, further linking her voice to Uttarakhand’s hills.
Love for Uttarakhand’s culture
Asha Bhosle had a deep affection for Uttarakhand’s traditions. She often expressed her desire to visit the region and was scheduled to attend the Almora Festival in 2002–03, though health reasons prevented her. Her sister Usha Mangeshkar performed in her place.
She also lent her voice to Garhwali cinema. Her soulful song “Janmo Ko Saath Chhe” (Janamon Ka Saath) for the film Gever Chhora, presented by Himalayan Films, depicted the life of a simple shepherd from Garhwal. This showed her respect for regional culture and her ability to connect with local audiences.
Immortal legacy
For Nainital and Uttarakhand, Asha Bhosle’s songs are more than melodies — they are memories tied to the hills, lakes, and valleys. Whenever these songs play, the people of the lake city will remember her voice and the way she immortalized their homeland.
Though Asha Bhosle has left for her eternal journey, her music continues to live in the heart of Uttarakhand. From Bollywood classics filmed in Nainital and Ranikhet to Garhwali folk songs, her voice remains a timeless tribute to the beauty and culture of Devbhoomi.