Manoj Muntashir reveals 14-foot Jhumka monument in Bareilly tribute to Asha Bhosle
Synopsis
When Asha Bhosle sang 'Jhumka Gira Re' in the 1960s, she didn't just deliver a hit — she immortalised a city. So much so that Bareilly built a 14-foot monument to the earring and renamed a public square after it. On Indian Idol, Manoj Muntashir revealed this untold story of how one song became civic geography, cementing Asha Bhosle's unmatched influence on Indian culture.
Key Takeaways
Manoj Muntashir revealed on Indian Idol that the government erected a 14-foot Jhumka monument in Bareilly as tribute to Asha Bhosle .
The square in Bareilly was renamed Jhumka Chowk following the success of the iconic 1960s song. 'Jhumka Gira Re' was composed by Madan Mohan and featured in the classic film Mera Saaya , directed by Raj Khosla .
Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April at age 92 following multi-organ failure.
The legendary singer's career spanned over 83 years in Indian cinema and music across multiple languages.
Lyricist Manoj Muntashir revealed on the set of Indian Idol that the government constructed a 14-foot tall Jhumka monument on the outskirts of Bareilly and renamed the square Jhumka Chowk as a tribute to the iconic song and its performer, late Asha Bhosle. The disclosure came during an upcoming episode dedicated to celebrating the legendary singer, who passed away on 12 April at age 92.
The story behind 'Jhumka Gira Re'
According to Muntashir, music director Madan Mohan approached Asha Bhosle with the composition, saying, "Asha, I have a song for you. The lyrics are, Jhumka Gira Re Bareli Ke Bazaar Mein." The song, released in the 1960s as part of the classic film Mera Saaya (directed by Raj Khosla), became a defining moment in Hindi cinema, gaining cult status over decades.
Cultural impact and monument
The success of 'Jhumka Gira Re' was so profound that it inspired the government to erect a permanent monument in Bareilly, the city referenced in the song's lyrics. The 14-foot Jhumka sculpture and the renaming of the public square underscore the song's enduring cultural significance and Asha Bhosle's role in immortalising it through her iconic rendition.
The film and cast
The song was picturised on actress Sadhana Shivdasani in a lively, playful sequence. Mera Saaya also featured Sunil Dutt, Prem Chopra, and K. N. Singh, among others, and remains a landmark film of that era.
Asha Bhosle's legacy
Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April following multi-organ failure. She had been admitted to hospital on 11 April due to severe exhaustion and chest infection, according to her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle. The singer left behind a legacy spanning over 83 years in Indian cinema and music, with thousands of songs across multiple languages. Her death marked the end of an era in Hindi film music.
Point of View
And the voice that sang it, can reshape how a city sees itself. Asha Bhosle's voice did that across hundreds of films and thousands of songs. Yet her death at 92, after an 83-year career, barely cracked the mainstream news cycle. In a media ecosystem obsessed with celebrity gossip, the passing of a voice that defined an entire era of Indian cinema deserved far more than a footnote.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 14-foot Jhumka monument in Bareilly?
It is a government-erected monument honouring the iconic song 'Jhumka Gira Re' sung by Asha Bhosle in the 1960s. The public square in Bareilly was renamed Jhumka Chowk following the song's cultural impact. Lyricist Manoj Muntashir revealed this tribute during an Indian Idol episode dedicated to Asha Bhosle.
Which film featured the song 'Jhumka Gira Re'?
The song appeared in the classic 1960s film 'Mera Saaya', directed by Raj Khosla and featuring actress Sadhana Shivdasani. The film also starred Sunil Dutt, Prem Chopra, and K. N. Singh.
Who composed 'Jhumka Gira Re'?
Music director Madan Mohan composed the song. According to Manoj Muntashir, Madan Mohan approached Asha Bhosle with the composition, and her rendition made it a timeless classic.
When did Asha Bhosle pass away?
Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April at age 92 following multi-organ failure. She had been admitted to hospital on 11 April due to severe exhaustion and chest infection, according to her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle.
What was the span of Asha Bhosle's career?
Asha Bhosle's career in Indian cinema and music spanned over 83 years, during which she sang thousands of songs across multiple languages, becoming one of the most influential voices in Hindi film history.
