India, April 13 -- I feel especially blessed that my and Asha Bhosale's paths crossed early, when I was just beginning my professional journey assisting the legendary Jaidev Verma. I would meet Asha didi often at Jaidev ji's home. I was a rank junior, really, but with her, there was always that warmth, that unmistakable apnapan (belonging). I can never forget the day she came in, unwell - burning with fever - yet recorded Kabir's 'Kaunu Thagwa Lutal Ho (Who is the dacoit who looted you)' for Ankahee. At Amol Palekar's request, she walked into the studio and rendered that complex composition in a single take. Flawlessly. Jaidev ji was moved to tears. We were all moved.

Later in 1985, for a film that unfortunately never saw the light of da...