Want my statue to be placed between Presley and MJ: Asha Bhosle

The 84-year-old singing legend, who unveiled her wax sculpture created by Madame Tussauds Delhi, said she could not have imagined that London’s renowned museum will have a branch in India one day.

She introduced Bollywood to rock ‘n’ roll and it is only fitting that Asha Bhosle would want her wax statue to be placed between the idols of international music icons Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson.

Asha Bhosle and RD Burman recording a song.

The 84-year-old singing legend, who unveiled her wax sculpture created by Madame Tussauds Delhi, said she could not have imagined that London’s renowned museum will have a branch in India one day. “I went to London in the ‘70s and also visited Madame Tussauds there. At that time, the only Indian figure that was exhibited there was of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s. I could not have imagined that the museum will open in our country someday. When they asked me where I would want them to place my statue, I said I wanted it to stand between the figures of Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson,” said Bhosle.

The singer, who holds a Guiness Book of World record for most single studio recordings, said the Madame Tussauds’ team managed to get her every feature right. “I’m really happy and impressed. It’s like looking into the mirror. They have worked really hard. The team made me sit for hours to get every detail right - the hair, the facial muscles, even something as difficult as the eye. They took one whole day to get the eye colour right. I did not give them any specifications and they have done a great job.”

Bhosle said her son had already seen the figure before her and reassured her that it looked good. The Padma Vibhushan awardee dedicated the installation of her wax statue to her country. “I have received many awards, love and recognition. I feel a great sense of pride and happiness to see myself recreated in wax... I feel this is not my achievement, it is India’s victory. I am thankful to all the people who have loved and listened to me. I feel overwhelmed to have received the love of four generations,” she said.

The legend appeared on the stage to the tune of her hit ‘80s number, Aa Dekhen Zara. As a tribute to the singer, a dance group performed on her blockbuster songs such as Chura Liya Hai, Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Ye Ladka Haaye Allah and Jawaan-e-Jaaneman. “I still walk on the same path, even after 75 years. I have sung every song with the same dedication like I sang my first number. Whatever little greed that was left, it has been fulfilled today,” said Bhosle, who celebrates her 84th birthday tomorrow.

She also regaled the audience with one of her favourite numbers, Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko. Bhosle’s wax figure will be showcased at the Bollywood music zone, alongside other leading figures from Indian and international music scene such as Shreya Ghoshal, Sonu Nigam, Beyonce and Lady Gaga at the museum.

Madame Tussauds Delhi opens on December 1.