Mumbai, April 12: Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on April 12 at the age of 92, marking the end of an era in Indian music. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital a day earlier and died due to multiple medical complications, including multi-organ failure, according to attending doctors.
The news of her death was confirmed by Maharashtra Culture Minister Ashish Shelar outside the hospital. Her son Anand Bhosle stated that members of the public can pay their last respects at her residence in Lower Parel on April 13 from 11 am. Her last rites will be conducted at Shivaji Park later in the day at 4 pm.
A day before her passing, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle had informed that the singer had been hospitalised due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, requesting privacy as treatment was underway.
Asha Bhosle’s career, spanning several decades, remains one of the most prolific in Indian music history. She began her journey as a playback singer in 1943 with the Marathi film Majha Bal and went on to become one of the most versatile voices in Indian cinema.
She lent her voice to thousands of songs across multiple languages, including Hindi and over 20 Indian and foreign languages. Among her most popular tracks are Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani, O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan, Ye Ladka Hay Allah Kaisa Hai Diwana and Kya Ghazab Karte Ho Ji, which remain enduring favourites among listeners.
In 2006, she had revealed that she had recorded nearly 12,000 songs, reflecting her extraordinary contribution to the music industry. Over the years, she collaborated with some of the most prominent composers, including R. D. Burman, O. P. Nayyar, Ilaiyaraaja, Bappi Lahiri and A. R. Rahman.
Her contribution to Indian music earned her several prestigious honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Asha Bhosle’s voice defined generations of Indian cinema, cutting across genres and eras. Her passing marks a significant loss to the cultural and musical landscape of the country, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence artists and audiences alike.
