Asha Puthli: The Forgotten Diva Who Inspired Disco's Biggest Stars

Asha Puthli, a trailblazing Indian singer, was at the heart of the 1970s New York cultural scene, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andy Warhol and Grace Jones. Her sensual, genre-blending music laid the groundwork for the disco era, influencing the sounds of Donna Summer and others, yet she never achieved the mainstream success of her peers. Now, in her late 70s, Puthli is finally receiving the recognition she deserves, with a resurgence of interest in her pioneering work.

Uncovering the Untold Story of a Disco Visionary

The Zipper Concept That Inspired the Rolling Stones

In 1971, Asha Puthli was sitting with Andy Warhol and friends at the iconic New York club Max's Kansas City when her new single, a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Ain't That Peculiar," was played. Excited by the track, Warhol asked Puthli about the cover art for her upcoming album, and she pitched a risqué concept: "A man's zipper, which opens, and the album should come out with a pink inner sleeve. You know, like a prophylactic." While that album never materialized, a strikingly similar image appeared on the cover of the Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" album, a collaboration between Warhol and designer Craig Braun. Puthli was surprised by the similarity, wondering, "What the fuck is Sticky Fingers?" as the album's content did not seem to reflect the provocative cover art.

A Trailblazer Ahead of Her Time

Puthli, now 79, was a true trailblazer in the 1970s, her sensuous, spacey jazz-disco fusions predating the era's glitterball craze. She performed at iconic venues like Studio 54, was a neighbor of Bianca Jagger, and knew the likes of Grace Jones. Puthli's former flatmate was the trans Warhol superstar Holly Woodlawn, and she even wrote a song about her, though Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" became the more well-known work. Despite her connections and collaborations with the era's A-list creatives, Puthli never achieved the household-name status of her peers.

Blending East and West with Cosmic Sensuality

Puthli's music is a captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences, dripping with orgasmic sensuality and cosmic whimsy. Born in Mumbai, she studied opera, Indian classical dance, and singing, incorporating the distinctive Jaipur-Atrauli gharana closed-throat style into her work. Her covers of songs by the Beatles, John Lennon, and George Harrison showcase her ability to "sex it up," as she puts it, while also reflecting her passion for bridging cultural divides.

Paving the Way for Disco's Biggest Stars

Puthli's music laid the groundwork for the disco era, with her 1973 debut album predating the release of Donna Summer's "Love to Love You Baby." Puthli claims that Summer's producers would "play my stuff and tell her to sound a little bit like that," and she even confronted Summer backstage, noticing the similarities in their fashion and performance styles. While Puthli's music never achieved the same level of mainstream success, it captivated crate diggers and underground music enthusiasts for decades, with tracks like "Space Talk" becoming cult favorites.

A Long-Overdue Renaissance

After years of relative obscurity, Puthli is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Her music has been reissued, and a new generation of South Asian creatives, such as Raveena and Nadine Shah, have been inspired by her story and sound. In 2023, Puthli embarked on her first major tour in 40 years, including a triumphant performance at Glastonbury's West Holts stage, where she captivated the audience with her timeless artistry. As Puthli reflects on her journey, she is encouraged by the increased visibility and platform for South Asian talent, knowing that her pioneering work has paved the way for a new generation of artists to shine.