Asha Bhosle, the iconic Indian playback singer, has revealed shocking details about her personal life in her biography, "Asha Bhosle: A Life In Music," offering a glimpse into the dark chapters she endured alongside her illustrious career. The book, written by Ramya Sarma and released on May 25, 2025, sheds light on the trauma and tribulations Bhosle faced, most notably during her first marriage.

At the tender age of 16, Asha eloped with Ganpatrao Bhosle, who was 31 years old and her personal secretary. This decision caused a significant rift between Asha and her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, who disapproved of the union. The Mangeshkar family, known for their conservative values, struggled to accept a "singing star" as a daughter-in-law.

The biography unveils a disturbing portrait of Ganpatrao as a short-tempered and allegedly abusive husband. Rumors suggest he was a drunkard who physically assaulted Asha, even during her pregnancies, leading to frequent hospitalizations. Asha herself admitted, "Maybe he liked to inflict pain, maybe he was a sadist. But no one would hear about it outside. I gave him respect, never questioning what he did. I just did my duty as per Hindu dharma."

The situation reached a breaking point when Asha was pregnant with her third child, Anand. She was reportedly asked to leave her marital home by her in-laws. Overwhelmed by illness, mental agony, and dire hospital conditions, Asha attempted suicide. "On one occasion I felt I should kill myself. I was ill. I was four months pregnant and found myself in hospital where the conditions were so bad that I thought I had landed in hell. I was in mental agony. So, I swallowed a bottle of sleeping tablets. But the love I had for my unborn child was so strong that I did not die. I was dragged back to life, to living.”

Asha and Ganpatrao separated in 1960. The separation proved to be a turning point for Asha, who channeled her energy into her career to provide for her three children.

Later in life, Asha found love again and married Rahul Dev Burman (R. D. Burman) in 1980. Their partnership was a harmonious blend of personal and professional lives, marked by deep affection and mutual respect.

Tragedy struck again when Asha's daughter, Varsha, also attempted suicide in 2008 by consuming sleeping pills. Varsha had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital at the time. Unfortunately, in October 2012, Varsha ended her life by shooting herself.

Despite the immense personal hardships, Asha Bhosle has remained a resilient figure, continuing to inspire generations with her musical talent and unwavering spirit. Her biography, "A Life In Music", not only celebrates her achievements but also serves as a testament to her strength in overcoming adversity, offering a raw and honest account of a life lived with both extraordinary success and profound sorrow.