Asha Bhosle’s Granddaughter Zanai Bhosle Expresses Gratitude Towards AR Rahman
Music can connect people across generations, and 23-year-old singer Zanai Bhosle is proving the same. She has joined legendary composer AR Rahman for The Wonderment Tour across the United States, almost 30 years after her grandmother, Asha Bhosle, worked with him on the famous Rangeela (1995) album.
Zanai says the moment she found out about the chance to perform with Rahman, she didn’t know what to say. “The moment I heard about the opportunity to work with Rahman sir, I was speechless,” she recalls. But along with the excitement came pressure. “I also felt the weight of responsibility — his compositions are masterpieces, and my grandmother has sung them with unmatched perfection. I didn’t want to fall short.”
She shared that the support from both Rahman and Asha Bhosle gave her the courage she needed. “They told me to sing in my own style,” she says. “That advice made me feel free and confident.” Her first live show with Rahman happened on May 3 at the tour’s opening concert at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. It was a big moment for her. “That day was life-changing,” she says. “The audience’s response to both songs I sang filled me with relief, happiness, and a deep sense of accomplishment.”
Since then, Zanai has been training regularly with Rahman’s team. She describes the experience as more than just music practice. “Anyone in his presence is inspired to become a better musician. You learn something new every single minute,” she shares.
Even with this guidance, Zanai says her grandmother’s lessons are always in her heart. “The greatest lesson I’ve learnt from her is to be individualistic,” she explains. Adding, “She always says, ‘Sing like yourself and trust what feels right.’”
For Zanai, being on stage with Rahman is not only a dream come true, but also a chance to carry forward a family legacy while finding her own voice. “It’s an honour I will never forget,” she says. Adding, “I’m deeply grateful to Rahman sir for believing in me, and to my grandmother for teaching me to be true to myself.”
Also Read: Asha Bhosle Returns To Singing At The Age of 91 With Saiyaan Bina
