Riteish Deshmukh recalls Asha Bhosle cooking his favourite dish, calls her 'Asha Aai'
Synopsis
Riteish Deshmukh opened up about his deeply personal bond with Asha Bhosle on Indian Idol, revealing how the legendary singer mothered him, cooked for him, and blessed his film projects. In what may be among his final conversations with her, Asha Bhosle expressed her desire to watch his Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj film — a wish she did not live to fulfil.
Key Takeaways
Riteish Deshmukh paid an emotional tribute to Asha Bhosle on an upcoming Indian Idol episode.
He addressed Asha Bhosle as "Asha Aai" (Mother Asha), reflecting their deep familial bond.
Asha Bhosle personally cooked Riteish's favourite dish for him at her home.
She consistently offered blessings and support throughout his career, calling him whenever he appeared on television.
In one of their last conversations, Asha Bhosle expressed her desire to watch Riteish's upcoming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj film.
Actor-filmmaker Riteish Deshmukh is set to share an emotional tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle on an upcoming episode of Indian Idol, recounting the warmth and maternal affection the iconic vocalist extended to him throughout their bond. Speaking fondly of their relationship, Riteish revealed how he addressed Asha Bhosle as "Asha Aai" — a term of endearment reflecting the deep familial connection they shared.
A Mother's Touch
Riteish Deshmukh described the affection Asha Bhosle showed him, saying, "When I met her, she would place her hand on my head the way a mother does for her child. I called her Asha Aai, and I still address her that way." The actor-filmmaker's recollection underscores the nurturing relationship that transcended the typical industry acquaintance.
The Gesture of Home-Cooked Food
Among his cherished memories, Riteish recalled how Asha Bhosle once asked him casually what food he enjoyed. When he mentioned his preference, she invited him to her home and personally prepared the dish for him. "I went to her place and we had the meal together, sharing many conversations," he recounted. The gesture exemplified her generosity and the maternal care she extended beyond the professional sphere.
Consistent Support and Blessings
Asha Bhosle remained a steady source of encouragement throughout Riteish Deshmukh's career. Whenever he appeared on television or participated in any program, she would call to check on him and offer her blessings. This pattern of support illustrated her genuine interest in his professional journey and personal well-being.
A Final Conversation
Riteish emotionally recalled one of their last interactions, which centred on his upcoming film based on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Asha Bhosle had called to wish him well, saying, "I bless you; make a good film. I want to watch it when it releases." Two weeks before her passing, her family conveyed to Riteish that she had expressed a strong desire to see the film.
A Tribute to a Lost Icon
Concluding his heartfelt recollection, Riteish Deshmukh expressed his deep sense of loss, stating that Asha Bhosle would unfortunately not have the opportunity to watch the film. "I deeply miss Asha Aai for many reasons," he said, his words reflecting the void left by her absence. The tribute on Indian Idol stands as a public acknowledgement of the profound influence she wielded in his life, both as an artist and as a maternal figure.
Point of View
Her maternal warmth toward a younger actor speaks to her character. The poignancy of his tribute lies not just in nostalgia, but in the unfulfilled promise of her watching his Shivaji film — a small, deeply human detail that captures both her investment in his work and the finality of her absence.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Riteish Deshmukh share about his bond with Asha Bhosle?
Riteish Deshmukh described Asha Bhosle as a maternal figure whom he called "Asha Aai." He recalled how she would place her hand on his head like a mother, and how she consistently offered him blessings and support throughout his career.
Did Asha Bhosle cook for Riteish Deshmukh?
Yes. Asha Bhosle once asked Riteish what food he enjoyed, and when he told her his preference, she invited him to her home and personally prepared the dish for him. They shared the meal together and had many conversations.
What was Asha Bhosle's last wish regarding Riteish's work?
In one of their final conversations, Asha Bhosle called Riteish to bless his upcoming Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj film and expressed her desire to watch it upon its release. Two weeks before her death, her family conveyed that she had reiterated this wish.
Where did Riteish Deshmukh share these memories?
Riteish Deshmukh shared these emotional recollections on an upcoming episode of Indian Idol, which will feature a tribute to the legendary singer Asha Bhosle.
