‘Asha tai called after hearing my first song’

Asha Bhosle and Madhuri Dixit-Nene

In a role reversal of sorts, Madhuri Dixit-Nene had a gift for her fans on her birthday earlier this week. The actor released her second single, Tu hai mera, which she dedicated to her admirers who have cheered her on throughout her three-decade-plus career. "They write to us, admire our work, and do so many things for us. I thought it's time I did something for them. I wanted to express what I felt about my fans who have stood by me for 35 years. When I was asked what I wanted to sing about, I chose this," says Dixit. Thus was born Tu hai mera, which is penned by Dixit along with Raja Kumari.

The actor may have gone behind the mic for the first time only during the lockdown, but she says that music has been an integral part of her growing-up years. "My mom [Snehlata Dixit] is a classical vocal singer. We used to sit with her and sing. I used to croon in school, too, but I didn't get to explore it [later] because of work. One day, my husband [Sriram Nene] told me, ‘You sing so well. Why don't you sing?' That's how it all started." Her love for music has been inherited by kids Arin and Ryan, too. "My husband also sings well, and my sons play instruments. So, we jam together."

Her first single, Candle, released in May 2020. Like Dixit's acting and dancing prowess that have earned her many fans, her singing too has caught the attention of many. "Asha tai [Bhosle] called up after she heard Candle, and said, ‘You sang well, you hit the right notes.' There is no bigger compliment than her appreciation."