Asha Bhosle, who has won the hearts of millions with her voice, has sung nearly 16,000 songs throughout her career. However, there was one occasion when she had to sing despite suffering from a 102°F fever. This incident took place in 1985 when actor and director Amol Palekar was making a film in which he starred alongside actress Deepti Naval. There was a song in the film that Amol Palekar wanted Asha Bhosle to sing. Amol Palekar"s Proposal to Asha Bhosle Amol Palekar went to meet Asha Bhosle with his proposal. He asked her, “How much would you charge for this song?” Asha Bhosle didn"t answer him directly. Instead, she asked, “Are you investing your own money in this film?” When Amol confirmed that he was, she then laid out her conditions. Asha Bhosle"s Conditions for the Song Rather than discussing her fee, Asha Bhosle set a few conditions. She said, "I will rehearse this song three times before recording it, and I"ll personally go to Jaidev"s house for the rehearsals." Amol Palekar agreed to these conditions, and the date for the song's recording was set.. On the recording day, all the musicians, Jaidev, Amol Palekar, and his wife arrived at the studio. The musicians had already set up their instruments, and rehearsals began. However, an unexpected call came in, informing them that Asha Bhosle wouldn"t be able to attend the recording due to a 102°F fever. Everyone was understandably worried, as several renowned musicians were already present, including Hari Prasad Chaurasia (flute), Shiv Kumar Sharma (santoor), and Zareen Daruwala (sarod), all legends in their own right. At that time, the Music Association had strict policies, and the musicians were entitled to full payment if they had already set up their instruments and rehearsed. If the song wasn"t recorded, Amol Palekar would have to pay the musicians anyway. Amol was at a loss for what to do. Jaidev"s Emotional Appeal Jaidev then suggested that Amol contact Asha Bhosle again to see if she could make it to the studio. Amol Palekar wrote a heartfelt letter to Asha, stating, “Jaidev is asking how you"re feeling. If this song gets canceled, it will be very difficult for me. If the song is canceled, I won"t be able to afford it. Asha Ji, it"s up to you now. Please let me know what we should do." This letter was handed to Amol"s wife, who rushed to Asha"s house. Within half an hour, a call came in: Asha Bhosle would be coming to the studio after all. Asha Bhosle"s Determination Despite being feverish, Asha Bhosle arrived at the studio and went straight into the recording booth. She said, “Let"s start the recording now.” Having already rehearsed three times, she was ready to sing. As Asha Bhosle sang, Jaidev was deeply moved. Tears welled up in his eyes as he listened to her. After the song was recorded, Asha Bhosle asked, “If this take isn"t perfect, please let me know, and I"ll sing it again.” Jaidev, overwhelmed with emotion, ran to her and hugged her. He was so moved that he couldn"t stop crying. He then told Asha, “This song cannot be sung better than this.” After the recording, as Asha sat in her car, she asked Amol Palekar, “Please send me a cassette of the song in the evening.” In those days, singers often listened to their songs after recording. When Amol went to Asha"s house later that evening to deliver the cassette, he found her lying in bed, feeling very ill. Asha listened to the song, and tears filled her eyes. Amol asked, "Now, what should I pay you for the song?" Asha Ji, with great humility, responded, “Such songs come by fate, and you"ve written this song into my destiny.” The Iconic Song The song in question was from Amol Palekar"s 1985 film "Ankahi" and is titled “Kono Nagariya Lootal Ho Thagwa.” The lyrics were written by the saint Kabir Das, and Asha Bhosle"s sweet voice immortalized the track. Jaidev, the music composer for "Ankahi," was awarded a National Film Award for his composition. The film"s music, especially this song, became a huge hit with audiences. Read also: Rupali Ganguly Reacts to Anupamaa Exit Rumors, Praises Rajan Shahi Siddharth Anand's Fighter Soars as 2025's Biggest Non-Franchise Hit 2024 Wrap-Up: Rajan Shahi"s Hits and What"s Next in 2025 Disney+ Hotstar Announces 'Power of Paanch': A Tale of Friendship