Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle recently expressed her thoughts on modern women who view childbearing as a burden, igniting conversations about evolving relationship dynamics and changing expectations in society. During an interaction with spiritual leader Ravi Shankar, Bhosle voiced her concern over the increasing number of divorce cases among young couples today, citing her own life experiences to highlight the shifting perspectives on motherhood and relationships.
Bhosle, who began her illustrious career at the tender age of 10, balanced her professional life with the responsibilities of raising three children. She reflected on the challenges she faced, juggling work and parenthood while ensuring her children were raised in a stable environment. “I started working as a playback singer at the age of 10. During this time, I had three children, raised them, married them off, and now have grandchildren,” Bhosle said. Her story, one of resilience and determination, starkly contrasts with what she perceives as a growing tendency among women to consider motherhood as an obstacle or burden.
She emphasized the importance of embracing motherhood, encouraging women to view it as a fulfilling part of life rather than something to resent. According to Bhosle, earlier generations handled familial and societal pressures differently, with more endurance and patience. She believes that young couples today may lack the same level of emotional investment in their relationships, which could contribute to the rise in divorce rates. “I feel that the love between them ends very soon, and they get bored with each other fast too. Maybe that’s one of the main reasons,” she said, referencing what she sees as a lack of commitment and resilience in modern relationships.
Bhosle’s comments have sparked widespread discussion, raising questions about the changing dynamics of family, marriage, and the role of women in society. The demands on modern women, both in personal and professional spheres, are vastly different from those faced by previous generations. Many women today are balancing careers, personal aspirations, and societal expectations, making decisions about motherhood more complex. For some, the prospect of childbearing can feel overwhelming, especially when coupled with the desire to succeed in their professional lives.
Experts agree that relationship dynamics and expectations have evolved significantly over the years. Dr. Neha Desai, a relationship counselor, explains that modern relationships often carry different expectations than those of the past. “Women today are more independent, career-oriented, and assertive. The traditional roles within a marriage, where women were primarily seen as caregivers, have shifted. This change can create tension, especially when both partners struggle to balance work and family life,” she said.
Desai also acknowledges that the rising divorce rates may reflect the willingness of individuals to prioritize personal happiness and mental well-being. “While previous generations may have stayed in unhappy marriages for societal or familial reasons, people today are more willing to walk away from relationships that don’t serve them emotionally or mentally,” she added. This shift in priorities reflects the broader societal changes that have taken place over the last few decades.
In addition, the decision to have children is no longer seen as an inevitable milestone in every woman’s life. With increasing access to education and career opportunities, women are exercising more control over their reproductive choices. Some choose to delay motherhood or forgo it altogether in favor of personal growth or professional success. For these women, the concept of motherhood may indeed feel like a burden when weighed against their individual aspirations.
Asha Bhosle’s perspective offers a glimpse into a more traditional view of womanhood, where motherhood is seen as central to a woman’s identity. However, her remarks also highlight the generational divide in how motherhood and marriage are perceived today. As societal norms continue to evolve, so too will the expectations placed on women in their roles as mothers, partners, and individuals.
Asha Bhosle’s comments on motherhood and the rising divorce rates highlight the complexity of modern relationships, but they also underscore the tension between traditional values and contemporary realities. The generational shift in how women approach their roles within a family structure is undeniable. For women of Bhosle’s era, motherhood was often seen as an essential aspect of identity, closely tied to societal expectations. The decision to have children, for many, was not a choice but a given. Bhosle’s life story, as someone who balanced an iconic career with raising three children, is a testament to her resilience. Yet, it also reflects the norms and pressures faced by women in her time, where the idea of “doing it all” was not a matter of debate but a necessity.
However, today’s women operate in a vastly different cultural and economic landscape. With career opportunities more accessible and societal pressures shifting, many women feel more empowered to make decisions about their lives, including whether or not to have children. In some cases, this leads to delaying motherhood, opting for fewer children, or choosing a life without children entirely. These decisions aren’t necessarily about viewing motherhood as a burden but rather about seeking a balance between personal fulfillment, professional success, and family life. For some, the demands of a career in a competitive environment can make the thought of raising children feel like an overwhelming responsibility. This contrasts with earlier times when women were expected to prioritize family over personal or professional goals.
Experts like Dr. Neha Desai point out that the changing roles of women are also reshaping how relationships function. Where earlier generations often stayed in marriages out of necessity or societal obligation, today’s couples may prioritize mutual happiness and mental well-being. Desai notes that there is less societal stigma attached to divorce, enabling both men and women to make decisions about their personal lives that may not have been possible decades ago. “Women today are more likely to leave relationships that no longer serve them emotionally or mentally, valuing personal growth over staying in a situation out of obligation,” she said.
Bhosle’s reference to the emotional disconnect in modern relationships also speaks to how the fast-paced nature of life today might impact romantic connections. With both partners often working long hours and dealing with individual pressures, the time and energy available to nurture a relationship may be limited. This can lead to feelings of emotional disconnection, with couples growing apart as they navigate the complexities of modern life.
Moreover, the social media age has introduced a new layer of pressure. The curated lives on platforms like Instagram and Facebook often depict an idealized version of relationships and family life, which can set unrealistic standards. Many young couples today face the added challenge of managing their real-life relationships while subconsciously comparing them to what they see online. The constant barrage of seemingly perfect relationships can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction, contributing to emotional distance and, in some cases, marital breakdowns.
It’s also essential to acknowledge that the evolving understanding of mental health plays a crucial role in these shifts. Awareness about emotional well-being and self-care has encouraged people to make healthier choices for themselves, even if that means ending a marriage or delaying motherhood. For previous generations, enduring hardship in silence was often seen as a virtue, but today’s generation places more emphasis on open communication and mental health support.
Asha Bhosle’s views, while rooted in her personal experiences, offer a valuable opportunity to explore the broader societal changes that are taking place. As women continue to carve out spaces for themselves, balancing professional ambitions with personal lives, the conversation around motherhood, marriage, and relationships will inevitably evolve. While Bhosle’s sentiments resonate with those who value traditional roles, they also spark meaningful discussions on how women today navigate the pressures and opportunities that come with a rapidly changing world.