Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on Sunday, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy spanning decades.
She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday, where she succumbed to multiple organ failure following several medical complications, doctors said. Maharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar confirmed her demise. Her last rites will be held at Shivaji Park on Monday at 4 pm.
Her son Anand Bhosle said that people could pay their last respects at her residence in Lower Parel on Monday from 11 am. Earlier, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle had stated that the veteran singer was hospitalised due to exhaustion and a chest infection.
One of India’s most celebrated voices, Asha Bhosle began her career in 1943 with the Marathi film Majha Bal. Over the years, she recorded nearly 12,000 songs in around 20 Indian and foreign languages. Her popular songs include Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani, O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan, and Ye Ladka Hai Allah.
During her illustrious career, she collaborated with renowned composers such as R. D. Burman, O. P. Nayyar, Ilaiyaraaja, Bappi Lahiri and A. R. Rahman. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Prez, PM others condole
In a social media post, President Droupadi Murmu said that her demise has created a huge void in the world of music. President Murmu said that Asha Bhosle’s legendary career as an iconic singer has defined an era of music in India. President Murmu said that her demise is an irreparable loss to music lovers and asserted that her music will live forever.
In a post o X, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Asha Bhosle’s versatile voice allowed her to effortlessly transition across genres, mastering soulful ghazals and traditional bhajans, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Asha Bhosle was one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known. He said that her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched the country’s cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world.
Prime Minister expressed condolences to her family, admirers and music lovers and expressed hope that she would continue to inspire generations and her songs would forever echo in people’s lives.
