Actor – director Riteish Deshmukh is currently basking in the success of his newly released epic film ‘Raja Shivaji’. During the promotion of the same, on the sets of ‘Indian Idol,’ Riteish Deshmukh shared a heartfelt tribute to Asha Bhosle and shared a personal memory where the veteran singer cooked the ‘Raja Shivaji’ actor’s favourite dish.
Riteish Deshmukh remembers Asha Bhosle
The ‘Housefull’ actor recalled the affection and warmth Asha Bhosle showed him over the years. Sharing an emotional memory, he said, “Jab woh mujhe mili, unhone mere sar pe haath phera jaise ek maa apne bacche par pherti hain. Main unhe Asha Aai bulata tha, aaj bhi wahi sambodhta hu.” (“When I met her she gently placed her hand on my head, just like a mother does with her child. I used to call her Asha Aai, and I still address her the same way today.”)He also remembered a special moment, adding, “Aise hi baaton baaton mein unhone mujhe poocha, ‘Tumhala kay avadta? Tumhi kay khata?’ (What do you like to eat) Aur maine kaha ki mujhe yeh khana pasand hain, toh unhone apne haatho se khana banaya, mujhe ghar par bulaya. Main waha par gaya aur humne khana khaya, bahot saari baatein ki.” (“In the middle of a casual conversation, she asked me ‘What do you like? What do you enjoy eating?’ When I told her about my favourite dish, she personally cooked it for me and invited me to her home. I went there, we shared a meal, and spent a lot of time talking.”)
Riteish Deshmukh and Asha Bhosle’s bond
Riteish further shared how Asha Bhosle stood by him throughout his journey. He spoke about her constant encouragement and blessings.He said, “Jabhi koi program hota tha, jabhi main TV pe dikhta tha, toh phone lagati thi, mujhse baate karti thi, mujhe aashirwaad deti thi.” (“Whenever there was any event, or whenever I appeared on TV, she would call me, talk to me, and give me her blessings.”)
Riteish Deshmukh on Asha Bhosle’s support for ‘Raja Shivaji’ film
Riteish also spoke about one of his last conversations with Asha Bhosle. He revealed that she had expressed her support for his film ‘Raja Shivaji’.Recalling the moment, he said, “Unhone phone kiya ki, ‘Aashirwaad deti hu tumhe, tum achi film banao. Jab release hogi mujhe dekhni hai film.’ Aur do hafte pehle unke parivaar se mujhe phone aaya, Asha ji ki ichha thi ki woh film zarur dekhe.” (“I give you my blessings. Make a good film. When it releases, I want to watch it.” And two weeks ago, I received a call from her family saying that it was Asha ji’s wish to definitely watch the film.)Ending on a heartfelt note, he added, “Unfortunately, Asha aai nahi dekh payengi. Isliye main deeply miss karta hoon Asha Aai ko for many reasons.” (“Unfortunately, Asha Aai will not be able to watch it. That is why I deeply miss her for many reasons.”)
Raja Shivaji’s record opening
Riteish Deshmukh’s historical drama ‘Raja Shivaji’, which he has directed, written, and starred in, was released in theatres on May 1. The film has made a strong impact at the box office. It earned around Rs 11 crore on its opening day.According to Sacnilk, the Marathi version alone collected Rs 8 crore net on Friday. This makes it one of the biggest opening-day performers in Marathi cinema.