Asha brings her second act to Dubai

When the Times of India asked Asha Bhosle what she would have done if her career as a singer had not flourished, she responded: "I'd have cooked in four houses and made money." But flourish it did. And now, more than six decades after she began performing professionally, singing in 1,000 movies and in 18 different languages, Asha has taken her act into the kitchen.

She has arrived in Dubai to open her newest restaurant, aptly named "Asha's", as we report today. She already has restaurants in England, Kuwait, Qatar, at Khalidiya Mall in Abu Dhabi and Wafi City in Dubai. If the popularity of her dishes among Bollywood stars is anything to go by - her Goan fish curry and kadai ghosht are among the favourites - her kitchens will have to satisfy packed-houses.

Asha's opening in Dubai is not likely to be the last. After all, when she last toured North America in 2007, she was only supposed to play 12 shows. She ended up playing 20. Whether in the roasted aubergine or ginger-garlic prawns, we hope Asha adds a pinch of whatever has kept her so successful for so long.