Asha Bhosle to make her acting debut at 78

Mumbai: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, who is all set to make her acting debut at a ripe age of 78, with 'Maaee', says the movie is a sureshot tear-jerker.

The Hindi film, directed by debutant Mahesh Kodiyal tells the story of a woman abandoned by her only son and then goes to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

"I had great time working for this film. As far as my performance goes I think you all should see and tell me how I am. All I can say is that if every woman doesn't cry when she watches the film, then I will change my name," Bhosale told

reporters here last night.

The veteran singer has done many music videos but it is for the first time that she is doing a lead role in a movie. The film also stars Padmini Kolhapure, Ram Kapoor, Navin Kaushik and Shivani Joshi. Produced by Subhash Dawar-Nitin Shankar the film is slated to release on November 23.

The versatile songstress feels that there is no one in the industry today who can take her place. "There is no one because I have sung all types of songs in different styles, in different languages. I have sung Russian, English ...I have sung songs in Malayalam and all types of songs. I haven't seen anyone who has done that," she said.

Bhosle, who would turn a year older on September 8, wishes to get love and support from fans for the rest of her life. "I am thankful to the audience and my fans for their love and support. I wish whatever love and support I received from them should stay with me till my last day," she said at a birthday celebration organized last night.

Several musicians like Anu Malik, Sulaiman Merchant, Sukhwinder Singh, Suresh Wadkar and others from the music industry who were present on the occasion were all praise for Bhosale.

"I remember when I was 16, I went to her place. She asked me why I had come. I told her I want her to do a song for me. She was so busy but still took out time and agreed to sing my song. The day she said yes I will sing for you, I can never forget it. She has helped so many singers like me. It is tough to get someone so talented again," singer-composer Anu Malik said.

Singer-composer Salim Merchant who was one of the judges of singing reality show 'Indian Idol 6' is elated to have shared the stage with Bhosale. "I think I am lucky to spend so much time with her during 'Indian Idol'. Also, I got to learn so much from her. I connected with Ashaji so well in 'Indian Idol'," he said.

Playback singer Suresh Wadkar performed on song 'Sapne Mein Milti Hai' from Ram Gopal Varma's 'Satya', for which Bhosale also had lent her voice.