Renowned playback singer Asha Bhosle, known for her versatile voice that resonated through generations, passed away at the age of 92, as confirmed by medical professionals. She was admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday and succumbed to multi-organ failure.
Leaders from various political backgrounds paid homage to Bhosle, acknowledging her as one of India’s most iconic vocalists. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over her demise, praising her contributions to the music industry and the hearts of countless Indians.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, mourned the loss of the “musical genius,” stating that Bhosle had captivated hearts for years and held a special place in the hearts of Bengalis. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, described her death as a significant loss to the art world, emphasizing that her melodies would endure in people’s memories.
Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, compared Bhosle’s passing to losing another luminary from the Mangeshkar family, following the demise of her sister Lata Mangeshkar in 2022. He praised Bhosle’s ability to effortlessly transition between musical genres, labeling her voice as the essence of music.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted his close bond with Bhosle and acknowledged her timeless contributions to films like Naya Daur, Teesri Manzil, and others, immortalizing her through her melodious renditions.
Asha Bhosle, affectionately known as Asha Tai, was born on September 8, 1935, in Sangli, Maharashtra. Trained by her father Dinanath Mangeshkar, she began her singing career at a young age, recording over 12,000 songs spanning various languages and genres. Her repertoire included Hindi, Marathi, and Bengali songs, as well as ghazals and folk music.
Throughout her illustrious career, she received prestigious accolades such as the Padma Vibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Her son, Anand Bhosle, announced that her funeral rites would take place the next day, allowing the public to pay their respects at her residence before the final ceremony at Shivaji Park.
Asha Bhosle’s legacy as a musical icon will forever be cherished by fans worldwide.