It seems that actress Priyanka Chopra is the go-to girl for tributary performances these days. After performing a tribute dance to Madhuri Dixit earlier this year at the Filmfare Awards in Mumbai, it has now been confirmed that Priyanka will be performing a tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhonsle at the IIFA Awards tonight in Toronto.
Priyanka recently tweeted that she has, “a killer act up [her] sleeve” for IIFA. Sabbas Joseph, the organizer for this year’s event, has since confirmed that this act will be a tribute to Asha Bhosle. “Yes, Priyanka is giving a tribute to Ashaji, who will receive an award for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. Shiamak [Davar] will choreograph the tribute,” Joseph said.
Asha Bhosle has been active in the Hindi film industry since 1948, when she sang the song “Saawan Aaya” for the film Chunariya. Since then, Asha has sung for over 1000 Bollywood movies. Her repertoire includes such legendary songs as, “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” from Caravan (1971), “Yeh Mera Dil” from Don (1978), “Rangeela Re” from Rangeela (1995), and “Radha Kaise Na Jale” from Lagaan (2001).
According to some sources, the usually confident Priyanka is apparently quite nervous about taking to the stage to tribute such an icon. “A dance tribute to the songs of Ashaji seemed a formidable task to her,” says a source.
However, Priyanka is surely in good hands with Shiamak Davar. “When one does a tribute to a legend like Ashaji one has to be faithful to the originals. But I love interpreting songs in my own way as always…I’ve redeveloped the whole era with my properties and costumes,” says the renowned choreographer.
With all this in store, audiences are sure in for a treat tonight.
