Asha Bhosle’s Iconic South Collaborations With Ilaiyaraaja, A.R. Rahman and G.K. Venkatesh

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on Sunday, April 12, has left a deep impact on the South Indian film industry, having joined forces with renowned composers and music directors, primarily between the 1990s and 2000s. She worked closely with A.R. Rahman for ‘Iruvar’ and ‘Alaipayuthey’. She also collaborated extensively with Ilaiyaraaja for multiple songs in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema and even recorded Kannada versions of her hits with him. In the Kannada industry, she got together with composer G.K. Venkatesh and gave a few hits.

While her contribution to the South Indian film industry was not as prolific as her illustrious Bollywood career, she has a repertoire of memorable songs in South Indian films.

Variety India collates a list of her most popular numbers in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.

Tamil cinema

'Shenbagame’ from "Enga Ooru Pattukaran’"(1987): A hugely appreciated rural melody composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

‘Oh Butterfly’ from "Meera’"(1991): A popular duet with S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, another popular Ilaiyaraaja composition.

'Saathu Nada Saathu’ from "Sethupathi IPS"(1994): A foot-tapping number composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

'Vennila Vennila’ from "Iruvar" (1997): A melodious track composed by A.R. Rahman.

‘Nee Partha Parvai’ from "Hey Ram" (2000): An unforgettable duet with Hariharan, composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

‘September Madham’ from "Alaipayuthey" (2000): A Gen Z youthful track by A.R. Rahman.

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Telugu cinema

‘Seethakaalam Premaku’ and ‘O Prema’ from "Asvamedham" (1992): Two melodious renditions sung along with SP Balasubrahmanyam. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja.

‘Naalo Oohalaku’ from "Chandamama" (2007): A hip and trendy number composed by K.M. Radha Krishnan.

Kannada cinema

‘Namma Samsara Ananda Sagara’ from "Namma Samsara" (1971): An emotional song with P.B. Sreenivas and P Susheela and composed by M. Ranga Rao.

‘Savaalu Haaki’ from "Doorada Betta" (1973): Both these duets with P.B. Sreenivas, composed by G.K. Venkatesh.

Malayalam cinema

Kadalivaayil’ from "Nellu" (1974): A lilting melody composed by Salil Chowdhury and is considered one of her vintage Malayalam songs.

‘Mounam Swaramay’ (Aayushkalam, 1992): A popular melody with M.G. Sreekumar, with music composed by Ousepachan.

‘Swayamvara Subhadina’ from "Sujatha" (1977): This soulful track was composed by Ravindra Jain.

‘Nee Madhu Pakaroo’ from "Moodupadam" (1963): Composed by MS Baburaj, this track showcases her versatility and conquest of the Malayalam language.