Filmmaker Muzaffar Ali who created the award winning movie Umrao Jaan (1981) which won multiple National Awards including Best Playback Singer for Asha Bhosle in Dil Cheez Kya Hai to his surprise when Asha Bhosle passed away.

He explained how Umrao Jaan lost all of its voice because its three main elements Shahryar Khayyam and Asha ji had disappeared.

The filmmaker says, “I remember, when she sang the song in one scale lower she said there is some magic in it. And after she won the National Award as a singer, she sent a letter to thank me for making her a part of this magical project."

He remembers how she transported herself in the song that was set in a particular era. “The way she understood the song, its premises, the era, was truly magical. She got into the skin of the character (played by actor Rekha). Apni awaaz se ek sur neeche gaana asaan nahi hai, woh bhi is level ka! Her soulful voice took the film to another level," he says.

She performed five songs from the movie through her rendition of Dil Cheez Kya Hai and In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke and Jab Bhi Milti Hai and Justuju Jiski Thi and Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston.