Leslee Lewis on Asha Bhosle: 'She gave me a platform as an independent producer'
Synopsis
Leslee Lewis has shared a deeply personal account of working with Asha Bhosle, revealing how she pulled him onto the stage at a Channel V awards show to publicly credit his work — a gesture he says defined his confidence as an independent producer. With Bhosle gone at 92, tributes like Lewis's are filling in the human portrait of a legend who shaped careers quietly, one studio session at a time.
Key Takeaways
Leslee Lewis recalled how Asha Bhosle publicly acknowledged his contribution at a Channel V awards ceremony, calling him on stage after receiving her own award.
Bhosle passed away on 12 April 2026 at the age of 92 .
Lewis and Bhosle collaborated on the Indipop track 'Raat Shabnami' , featured in the album 'Jaanam Samjha Karo' , written by Majrooh Sultanpuri .
Their joint work also included the album 'Rahul & I' , remixes of R.D.
Burman classics, and original compositions.
Lewis described Bhosle's mood-driven studio approach as 'the actual magic of her.'
Music composer and singer Leslee Lewis has recalled the profound support he received from legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, describing her as a pivotal figure in his journey as an independent producer. Lewis, speaking in a recent interview, shared that Bhosle's encouragement at a critical early stage of his career left a lasting impression on him.
A Gesture That Stayed
Lewis recounted a particularly memorable moment at a Channel V awards ceremony, where Bhosle, after receiving her own award, called him onto the stage to publicly acknowledge his contribution. He quoted her as saying, 'Ek minute, Leslie kidhar hai? Usko bulao stage pe. Uske bina yeh nahi hoga.' For a young artist navigating the competitive music industry, Lewis said, that kind of public recognition was deeply meaningful.
'For a young artist, that kind of encouragement means a lot,' he said, reflecting on the moment.
Inside the Studio with a Legend
Lewis also offered a candid glimpse into what it was like to work with Bhosle in the recording studio. He described her creative process as entirely mood-driven — and noted that this was precisely what made her exceptional.
He recalled her telling him: 'Leslie, aaj mood nahi hai. Udhar gaayenge. Studio is good, but if I'm not in the mood, I won't sing. When the mood comes, I will sing.' Lewis added that Bhosle was, in practice, almost always in the mood — and that, he said, was 'the actual magic of her.'
He also remembered personal moments, such as celebrating her birthday by cutting cake together in the studio, calling every memory from their time together 'fond.'
Their Musical Collaboration
Lewis and Bhosle collaborated on several notable projects. Their most celebrated joint work was the romantic pop track 'Raat Shabnami', composed by Lewis and penned by legendary lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri. Sung by Bhosle, the song featured in the popular Indipop album 'Jaanam Samjha Karo' and became one of its standout tracks.
Their partnership also extended to the album 'Rahul & I', a series of remixes, and original pop numbers. Together, they reimagined R.D. Burman classics including 'O Mere Sona Re', 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' (including a popular hip-hop remix), and 'Chura Liya Hai - Remix', alongside original compositions such as 'Oye Hoye Oye Hoye.'
Remembering Asha Bhosle
Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April 2026 at the age of 92, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy spanning over seven decades. Lewis's recollections form part of a wider outpouring of tributes from musicians and collaborators who worked alongside her across generations.
As the industry continues to reflect on her contribution, accounts like Lewis's offer a rare personal window into the warmth and generosity that defined Bhosle beyond the microphone.
Point of View
But Lewis's account points to something less discussed — her role as an informal mentor to independent artists outside the mainstream film-music pipeline. In an industry where Bollywood hierarchies often marginalise non-film producers, Bhosle's willingness to lend her platform to someone like Lewis at a public awards show was a deliberate act of professional generosity. As the Indipop era of the 1990s recedes from cultural memory, testimonials like this one are also a reminder of how much of that genre's credibility was built on the shoulders of a single voice.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Asha Bhosle do for Leslee Lewis at the Channel V awards?
Asha Bhosle called Leslee Lewis onto the stage after receiving her own award, publicly crediting him and saying the achievement would not have happened without him. Lewis described the gesture as deeply encouraging for a young independent producer.
What songs did Leslee Lewis and Asha Bhosle collaborate on?
Their most notable collaboration was 'Raat Shabnami,' a romantic pop track composed by Lewis and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri, featured in the Indipop album 'Jaanam Samjha Karo.' They also worked together on the album 'Rahul & I,' remixes of R.D. Burman classics including 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja' and 'Chura Liya Hai,' and original tracks like 'Oye Hoye Oye Hoye.'
When did Asha Bhosle pass away?
Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away on 12 April 2026 at the age of 92, leaving behind a musical legacy spanning more than seven decades.
How did Asha Bhosle approach recording sessions, according to Leslee Lewis?
Lewis recalled that Bhosle was entirely mood-driven in the studio, often telling him she would only sing when the mood was right. He noted, however, that she was almost always in the mood — and attributed that to her extraordinary artistry.
Who is Leslee Lewis?
Leslee Lewis is a Mumbai-based music composer and singer best known for his work in the Indian pop genre during the 1990s and 2000s, including collaborations with Asha Bhosle and productions under his own independent label.
