The Friday morning was overcast but there were no dark clouds inside the Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha, the Vile Parle East venue of a book launch, where the mood was sunny and packed house excited. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat released a book called ‘Swarswamini Asha’ on the iconic singer Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan Asha Bhosle. The book (Rs 1200 to be in bookstores in the coming week) is a collection of 90 pieces by 90 writers, complemented by photographs capturing the essence of Asha Bhosle.

There was a galaxy of singers, artists and actors at the event. The anchor said at the start of the 3.5-hour long programme, “You will notice the usual curtain, closing and opening is not happening on this stage. This is because we are celebrating an individual, who has never hidden things, she is open, candid and courageous.”