Saee Tembhekar

Dearest Asha Tai,

I knew this day would come. A day when there will be a world in which you are not breathing. But when that day is here, my heart aches in an inexplicable way that I cannot comprehend. You left behind so many people whose hearts smile when they listen to your voice. I hope that you know this in your journey forward, and that it brings you peace.

I don’t remember how little I was when I heard your voice for the first time on a cassette that Aai played. But the memory of those words and melodies going straight within me is very vivid. I remember Aai desperately trying to explain to me and make me understand how Asha tai’s ‘चांदणे’ sounds exactly like looking at a ‘चांदणे’ while listening to this antara in the song Kevha Tari Pahate : उरले उरात काही आवाज चांदण्यांचे, आकाश तारकांचे उचलून रात्र गेली. I was too small to understand then but today I know what a ‘चांदणे’ is because of you. I remember being fascinated by your singing while listening to ‘Rutu Hirwa’ album on loop. When I started to intake your music as a school kid , while learning something with every ‘listening session’ from you, I was spellbound when I was trying to articulate how did the same person who sang ‘Jivalaga Rahile Door Ghar Majhe’ also sang ‘ Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’. Your versatility, the way in which you perfectly distinguished every song, the way you threw a spotlight on every single word on the lyrics & your fearless attitude to always experiment new things in music has inspired so many of us.

I grew up listening to you, first on cassettes, then on CD’s, Ipods & now on Digital platforms. Your voice and music are imbibed in every cell of my body. Your music has helped me get through so many of life’s good and bad experiences. I felt like writing this to you because you have always felt like a family member. It feels that I have shared so many happy and sad moments with you. Isn’t this some sort of magic ? The one you created with your music?

When I stepped into the world of music more seriously is when I actually understood what it takes to sing every word, every स्वर with a certain level of intensity. While listening to you sing and talk about music and life in general, made me realise how significant it is to create your ‘own voice’ and how difficult it is be ‘ Be You’. How easy it is to get lost in the trap of illusion of the industry and how important it is to stick to the ‘roots’ of your music.

I feel to blessed to have had the opportunity to meet, interact and sing with you on stage in Philadelphia in 2009. You sweetly invited me and my two friends on stage, asked our names and announced that these girls with sweet voices will accompany me today. I was in awe of your simplicity and ingenuity. The energy that I felt that day on stage is still alive in me in the form of your blessing.

My heart aches today and I feel an unknown emptiness which can never be filled. You live forever through your voice in the hearts of every listener who has loved you and admired you. I am blessed to be born in the era where I could experience your music and grow along with you. Thank you for everything you have given me. You have enriched my life in a way no-one else has. This is not a good-bye. I have and will always reach out to you through music.

Hope you find peace, Asha tai ❤️

Yours truly

Saee