In Kavita’s own words…

“In my childhood days, the radio was a constant companion. Anytime a favourite song was played, I would stop and let the enchantment transport me to a different world. One such song was Kali Ghata Chhaye Mora from Sujata (1959). It was then that I became aware of Ashaji’s greatness, her resonant voice, perfect pitching, clear diction, and every word expressed beautifully. Every song of hers in her long career is perfect.

The very first film recording I ever attended was Ashaji’s song Lo Aayee Hai Jawani from Pehchan (1970). It was recorded in Famous Studio at Tardeo. I went along with Hemaji’s mother, Jaya Chakravarthy. I was awestruck watching Ashaji’s impeccable singing.

I had the honour of singing four duets with her: three for Pancham da and one for Jagjit Singhji. In her presence, I was quite tongue-tied and shy. She was too big an artist for me, and the moments of facing the mic with her were fairly nerve-racking!

The first time in the studio, she must have been aware that I was extremely nervous. To break the ice, she smiled at me and said, ‘Ye suit tumne kahan se khareeda? Bahut accha hai.’ I probably mumbled back an answer, but then I relaxed and sang. That song was Ek Haseen Lakhon Mein from Karishmaa (1984).

Then, in the mid-eighties, one late evening, I got a call from her. I picked up the phone, and the lady said, ‘Tumne ye gana, Us Kashti Ka (song from the movie Uttar Dakshin, 1987), bahut accha gaya hai.’ I said, ‘Thank you. Aap kaun bol rahee hain?’ She said, ‘Asha.’ As I couldn’t believe that it would be Ashaji complimenting me, I said, ‘Asha kaun?’ She laughed and said, ‘Mujhe laga ek hi Asha hai.’ I was so stunned that I murmured my apology and gratitude.