A Singer's Second Act
Asha Bhosle, renowned for over 12,000 recorded songs across numerous languages during her illustrious eight-decade career, also established a remarkable
presence in the culinary world. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of 'Asha's,' a thriving international restaurant chain boasting 14 outlets spread across two continents. This venture was deeply rooted in her personal love for cooking, a passion ignited during her childhood. Traveling extensively with her father's theatre troupe, she found joy in shared meals with the entire crew. Tragically, after her father's passing when she was merely nine, Asha, alongside her siblings including the celebrated Lata Mangeshkar, bore the responsibility of managing the household and contributing to the family's income. While cooking became a necessity, it also provided an avenue for her to hone her skills in preparing North Indian and Maharashtrian dishes, learning intricate techniques from her family members.
Global Flavors Unfold
The inaugural Asha's restaurant opened its doors in 2002 at Dubai's Wafi Mall, quickly garnering acclaim. Asha Bhosle herself took an active role in the kitchen, contributing cherished family recipes and her distinctive garam masala blend, meticulously prepared in her hometown of Mumbai. Following the initial triumph in Dubai, the restaurant chain embarked on an ambitious expansion, extending its reach to other parts of the Middle East, including prominent locations like Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The culinary journey continued across borders with the establishment of two branches in the United Kingdom, located in Birmingham and Manchester. Although Asha Bhosle holds a 20% stake in the enterprise, the restaurant chain plays a significant role in her estimated net worth of Rs 200-250 crore, as reported by NDTV.
A Taste of Asha's Menu
The culinary offerings at all Asha's establishments are predominantly rooted in North Indian cuisine, presenting a diverse selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Signature items gracing the menu include the highly praised Bhatti Ka Chaap, Makai Seekh Kebab, Fish Biryani, Muscat Gosht, Awadhi Chicken Biryani, Kodi Curry, and Peshawari Maa Ki Daal. Several of these recipes were personally curated by Asha Bhosle herself. She notably acquired the art of preparing authentic Awadhi cuisine from Firdaus Jahan, the wife of the esteemed poet and lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, who was also a frequent collaborator with Asha in the Hindi film music industry. This dedication to authentic flavors and personal touch is a hallmark of the Asha's dining experience.
Celebrity Endorsements Shine
While luminaries such as Shah Rukh Khan and Javed Akhtar have publicly expressed their admiration for Asha Bhosle's cooking, particularly her kebabs, the restaurant chain has also welcomed numerous Hollywood and international celebrities. The Birmingham outlet, in particular, has become a notable destination. A widely publicized instance occurred in 2021 when actor Tom Cruise visited for an early dinner while taking a break from filming 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1.' Arriving unannounced with director Christopher McQuarrie and crew members, Cruise requested no special treatment, opting to dine amidst other patrons. He thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Tikka Masala Curry, ordering a second portion due to its exquisite taste. This event led to the viral hashtag 'Two Tikka Tom' after being shared on Asha's official social media, and McQuarrie also savored the palak paneer.
More Star Patrons
The appeal of Asha's extends to a constellation of other globally recognized figures. In 2022, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran graced the establishment. Earlier, in 2020, members of the legendary band The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood, were seen dining there. More recently, in 2023, American singer-songwriter Pink visited Asha's just before a performance in the UK, proclaiming her meal as 'the best Indian food she’s ever had' during her concert. These endorsements highlight the consistent quality and authentic flavors that draw international stars to Asha's, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for Indian cuisine outside of India.
