Music often bridges generations, and 23-year-old singer Zanai Bhosle is living proof. She has teamed up with music maestro AR Rahman for The Wonderment Tour across the US — nearly 30 years after her grandmother, the legendary Asha Bhosle, collaborated with him on the iconic Rangeela (1995) album.
“The moment I heard about the opportunity to work with Rahman sir, I was speechless. But I also felt the weight of responsibility — his compositions are masterpieces, and my grandmother has sung them with unmatched perfection. I didn’t want to fall short,” Zanai says. The encouragement she received from both Rahman and her grandmother gave her the confidence she needed. “They told me to sing in my own style.”
Her first live performance with Rahman took place on May 3 at the tour’s opening concert at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. “That day was life-changing. The audience’s response to both songs I sang filled me with relief, happiness, and a deep sense of accomplishment.”
Since then, Zanai has been training rigorously with Rahman’s team. For her, working alongside the Oscar-winning composer is nothing short of transformative. “Anyone in his presence is inspired to become a better musician. You learn something new every single minute,” she shares.
Yet, even with Rahman’s mentorship, her grandmother’s influence continues to guide her artistic choices. “The greatest lesson I’ve learnt from her is to be individualistic. She always says, ‘Sing like yourself and trust what feels right.’”
