iWorld
Eros Now Begins Production of Original Series FLESH starring Swara Bhasker
MUMBAI: Eros International PLC (NYSE: EROS) (“Eros”), a leading global company in the Indian film entertainment industry, announced today that Eros Now, its cutting edge digital over-the-top (OTT) South Asian entertainment platform, has launched another intriguing and compelling original web series, FLESH. A provocative human drama starring a spectacular ensemble cast of Swara Bhasker, Akshay Oberoi, Vidya Malvade, Kavin Dave and Yudhishtir Urs among others began production this month for an early 2019 release. The series is being co-produced by Siddharth Anand and directed by Danish Aslam of Break ke Baad fame.
The gritty series is set against the global human trafficking industry and how a belligerent cop, played by Swara Bhasker, neglects the law and takes matters into her own hands.
Written by Pooja Ladha Surti, best known for her work on acclaimed films like Andhadhun, Badlapur, Phobia, Ek Hasina Thi amongst others, Pooja has etched yet another captivating narrative around the dark world of human trafficking.
Commenting on the new series, Ridhima Lulla, Chief Content Officer, Eros Group said, “We continue to build our focus on providing a unique experience in the digital world with captivating stories backed by skilled talent. We want the consumers’ digital experience to be defined by creating strong, extraordinary and unforgettable content. Flesh is a flagship Eros Now show that promises to have all the gripping elements to hook audiences”.
Producer Siddharth Anand, added “It’s a definite high point to produce such an incredible series with Eros Now and we want to present a perfect blend of dark reality and entertainment through Flesh. The superb script, cast, genre and drama are the key ingredients that will keep the viewers captured till the end”.
Talking about her new web series, Swara Bhasker said, “To associate with brave, bold, relevant and impactful characters and projects is a dream for any passionate actor. I am delighted to become a part of Flesh and looking forward to working with this fantastic and talented crew. For the first time in my career, I am playing a cop and my fans will be witnessing a new version of myself in this Eros Now original series.”
iWorld
Asha Bhosle, the unforgettable voice that sang a thousand emotions
The melody that defined generations has fallen silent, but her songs will echo forever.
MUMBAI: The voice that once lit up countless silver screens and brought rhythm to millions of hearts has stilled. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, one of the most versatile and prolific vocalists in Indian film music, passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on Sunday. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday night after suffering cardiac and respiratory issues and had reportedly been unwell for several months.
Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon. The last rites will be performed on Monday.
Born in 1933 into the illustrious Mangeshkar musical family, Asha began her journey in the golden era of Hindi cinema. She recorded her first film song at the age of nine in 1943 and, by the 1950s, had already carved a distinct space for herself in Bollywood. While her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar often took the more melodic, heroine-centric numbers, Asha quickly became the go-to voice for energetic cabaret tracks, dance numbers, and later, the full spectrum of emotional expression.
The 1950s–60s: Rise of the Cabaret Queen In the early decades, Asha was frequently typecast for “item songs” and Western-style numbers. Yet even within those constraints, she delivered unforgettable hits such as “Aaja Aaja” from Teesri Manzil and “O Haseena Zulfon Wali” from the same film. Her playful, sassy delivery gave these tracks a magnetic energy that still feels fresh today.
The 1970s: Peak Versatility This was the decade that cemented her legendary status. Songs like “Dum Maro Dum” (Hare Rama Hare Krishna), “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” (Caravan), “Chura Liya Hai Tumne” (Yaadon Ki Baaraat), and “Yeh Mera Dil” (Don) became cultural touchstones. Asha proved she could swing from seductive to soulful with equal ease, working with almost every major composer of the era.
The 1980s: Emotional Depth and Ghazals After marrying composer R.D. Burman in 1980, Asha explored more nuanced, introspective territory. Her National Award-winning performances in Umrao Jaan (“Dil Cheez Kya Hai”) and Ijaazat (“Mera Kuch Saamaan”) showcased a matured, velvety voice capable of profound emotion. These tracks remain among the most cherished ghazals in Indian cinema.
The 1990s–2000s: Global Collaborations and Reinvention Even as newer voices emerged, Asha refused to fade. She collaborated internationally with the Kronos Quartet and released experimental albums. Later in her career, she lent her voice to younger composers and continued performing live, often sharing the stage with her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle.
A Life Beyond the Microphone Asha’s personal journey was as dramatic as her filmography. At 16, she eloped with Ganpatrao Bhosle, her personal secretary. The marriage ended in separation in 1960 after they had three children. In 1980, she married R.D. Burman in a union that faced family opposition but brought creative synergy. RD passed away in 1994.
Throughout her life, Asha remained grounded, often crediting classical music and ghazals for keeping her voice sharp. In a 2023 interview, she admitted she rarely listened to contemporary film songs, preferring the timeless works of Bhimsen Joshi and classic ghazals to stay inspired.
Her seven Filmfare Awards and two National Film Awards are merely numbers; the true measure of her legacy lies in the thousands of songs that still play in homes, cars, and hearts across generations. From the foot-tapping energy of “Dum Maro Dum” to the haunting beauty of “Mera Kuch Saamaan”, Asha Bhosle gave Indian cinema a voice that was simultaneously bold, tender, playful, and profound.
The golden era has lost one of its brightest stars, but the music she created will continue to refresh souls for decades to come. As the final notes of her extraordinary journey fade, India bids farewell to a voice that truly defined an era.
