Asha Bhosle, Who Shaped Indian Playback Singing Over 8 Decades, Dies At 92, State Funeral Accorded

The last rites of legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be performed at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Monday afternoon with state honours. Earlier in the day, the singer's son, Anand, had said that people can pay their last respects to her at 11 am tomorrow at Casa Grande, Lower Parel, where she lived.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar shared that the Bhosle family reached out to him, informing him of her ‘condition’. His message to them was, “May whatever is best for her come to pass (sic).” Asha Bhosle was deeply in touch with her spiritual side and visited The Art of Living foundation centres regularly to meditate. 

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle expanded her restaurant brand Asha's across the Gulf after opening her first outlet in Dubai in 2002. As a mark of respect, the Dubai branch remained closed for a day following her passing.

The Indian film and music industry is mourning the loss of legendary singer Asha Bhosle. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan also paid tribute to the iconic voice after her demise on Sunday. She was 92. Salman took to his X account on Sunday evening and shared a picture of the music legend. Calling her passing a "huge loss" for Indian music, the actor said he was "heartbroken" by the news and remembered her as an "irreplaceable voice" whose songs will continue to inspire generations.

Asha Bhosle's son Anand was visibly distraught as he was snapped outside his residence in Mumbai where the mortal remains of the music legend has been kept for antim darshan.      

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar was accompanied by his wife, actress Shaba Azmi, as they arrived to offer their final respects to music legend Asha Bhosle.

Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has paid a heartfelt tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle at Puri Beach on Sunday after her demise today. The sand art contained a 20-feet-long Veena sand art installation which was created as a symbol of devotion, music and respect for the singer Asha Bhosle.

A moment of silence was observed at the Wankhede Stadium ahead of the marquee Indian Premier League (IPL) match between five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as a mark of respect to legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away in Mumbai on April 12.

Asha Bhosle's mortal remains were kept at her residence in Mumbai for antim darshan. Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis offered his condolences to the Bhosle family after Asha Bhosle's demise on April 12.

Recalling how her mother pushed her and sister Lata Mangeshkar into the music industry, Asha Bhosle recalled in an interview to Republic Media Network, "Maa meri baut hi khushal aurat thi. Woh humein kehti thi ki Kolhapur mein rehkar tum kabhi bade nahi banoge. Mendhak ki tarah ek pani mein nahi pade reh sakte tum log. Bombay jana chahiye. Yeh sab karte karte hum log film industry mein aaye. Humne film or non-films dono hi gane gaaye."

Watch her full interview here.

Vidya Balan arrived at Asha Bhosle's residence in Mumbai to offer her condolences. Bhosle sung a track in Vidya's film Begum Jaan, released in 2017.

Asha Bhosle's final interview with Arnab Goswami: The legendary singer recalled a time when the shift in her singing style drew heavy criticism. Songs like Ina Mina Dika shocked the older generation, who questioned her choices. Some even rejected the songs altogether. But Asha remained unfazed. A strong woman at heart, she said she never let doubts creep in. For her, the word “no” simply never existed.

Asha Bhosle's unwavering grit and love for her listeners drew her towards to the stage even in her 90s, as she continued to sell out shows and mesmerise fans with her golden voice.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis offered his condolences to the Bhosle family after Asha Bhosle's demise on April 12.

Urmila Matondkar arrived at Asha Bhosle's residence in Mumbai to pay tribute to her and offer condolences to the Bhosle family after her death aged 92. 

Heartfelt posters all across Mumbai are a gentle reminder of the legacy Asha Bhosle has left behind.

Just weeks before her death on April 12, Asha Bhosle's voice was heard for the last time in a song in collaboration with the British group Gorillaz, released as part of their India-inspired album The Mountain (Parvat). On it is The Shadowy Light, the track that features the legendary singer in her final bow.

Tributes have been pouring in for legendary singer Asha Bhosle ever since the news of her demise was broken on Sunday afternoon. A while ago, star couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma took to their respective Instagram accounts and paid their condolences. "Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle ji. Your voice touched millions and will live on forever in our hearts. Om Shanti," Kohli posted.

As legendary singer Asha Bhosle passes away at 92, here's looking back at the time when she spoke to Republic Media Network's Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami about fame and how she still sees herself as just Asha. Bhosle graced Republic's headquarters in Noida in August last year, marking what would be her last interview. 

Kapil Sharma posted a picture with Asha Bhosle on Instagram, remembering the legendary singer after her demise. In the snap, they were seen in an airplane together.

On legendary singer Asha Bhosle's demise, music composer Lalit Pandit says, "It's a loss for the whole world, we will never get somebody of the stature, knowledge, the amount of work the great lady had done ever.  She was a very spirited, lion-hearted lady, very young at heart. I was fortunate to have worked with her so much. There are several songs. Our family had a old bonding. She knew us a kid, she was very happy about our music, she added so much. Her music will live on... It was different experience. We will miss her. We are there with her family, and the hard time, hope they can cope up with the situation."

On the demise of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar says, "Unfortunately Asha Tai is not among us anymore. Her contribution to Indian cinema has been huge and it will be remembered by generations to come... She was very active and met everyone with utmost warmth." He also posted a video of them together.

On demise of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, lyricist Sameer Anjaan said, "See, I think Asha ji has not gone away from us, a century of the world of vocals has gone, she gave such a vocal which is amazing, incomparable, which never existed before, will not be in the future,  as long as she was there, it was there. I think the only solace is, that she has gone, but her vocals would remain with us. She was an institution for the coming generation. She would act with vocals. Performers would be in fix, how to translate that expression. She saw all the colours of life, ups and downs, affluence and poverty, and she achieved everything which is very difficult to get. She also had a good family. She sang in all the languages, and wherever she sung, she made a mark. I had a good relation. When she would come, we would feel an institution has come, she was the most versatile. She would make the impossible possible. She has left behind the heritage of her work. In such a grieving time, may god give strength to family to bear the loss. There would be no other Asha, now we will remember her through her songs. She would be whatever she is, there was never a dual personality... She would do Riyaaz (practise) till her last, she was an inspiring personality..."

Asha’s first marriage, in 1949, ended in separation in 1960. Her second marriage was to iconic music composer RD Burman in 1980. She is survived by a son and grandchildren.

Born on Sept 8, 1933, Asha Bhosle was initiated into music by her father Dinanath Mangeshkar, who was also a trained singer. All her four siblings became accomplished singers and musicians, including iconic songstress Lata Mangeshkar. Together, Lata and Asha built a music legacy like no other.

Asha Bhosle will be laid to rest at Shivaji Park on Monday, April 13. Fans will be able to pay their homage to her at her residence from 11 am onwards tomorrow during Antim Darshan. Her mortal remains reached home and Bollywood celebs have started to arrive to offer their last respects to her and the Bhosle family.    

In a career spanning over eight decades, Asha Bhosle gave Bollywood some timeless melodies, which have also been remixed and recreated several times. Most recently, two of her popular tracks --  Karvan Ki Talaash Hai and Piya Tu -- featured as recreated editions in Aditya Dhar's blockbuster directorial Dhurandhar. The songs, remixed by Shashwat Sachdev, turned out to be well received and it remains Bhosle's final gift to her fans.

Also read: How Asha Bhosle's Final Gift To Fans Was Dhurandhar

Asha Bhosle was at her candid best at Republic Media Network's headquarters in Noida as she spoke about her singing journey and illustrious career in detail, while appearing on the show Legends. Watch what was her last interview.  

Sachin Tendulkar poured in a heartfelt tribute for Asha Bhosle, writing, “For us, Asha Tai was family. Today, words feel too small for the loss we feel. One moment the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the countless melodies she gifted all of us (sic).”

Shah Rukh Khan is one of the Bollywood actors who has shared a long collaboration with Asha Bhosle. In a post remembering her, the actor shared a heartwarming photo with Asha Tai and wrote, “It’s truly sad to learn about Asha Tai’s passing… her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema and will continue to resonate world over for centuries to come. A talent that will outlive many, she always showered me with blessings and love, and I will miss her. Rest in peace, Asha Tai. Love you." 

Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram account to share a photo of Asha Bhosle along with a small note. 

 

Mourning the demise of Asha Bhosle, singer Shilpa Rao took to her Instagram account to pen a note remembering her. 

 

Following the death of Asha Bhosle, Shreya Ghoshal took to her Instagram account to share a series of photos of the veteran singer. Alongside the photos, she wrote a long, emotional post remembering the 92-year-old singer. 
 

Asha Bhosle breathed her last at Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Following her death, security has been increased outside the hospital. 

 

Following the passing of Asha Bhosle, veteran singer Usha Uthup remembered the contributions of the veteran singer and her family. 

 

AR Rahman took to his Instagram account to share a photo with Asha Bhosle, along with a note that read, “She lives forever with her voice and aura ..What an artist." 

 

An old monochromatic video of Asha Bhosle performing live in concert is going live following her demise on April 12. In the video, the singer could be heard crooning her popular track Piya Tu live when Govinda took to the stage to groove to the melody. The video highlights the power of the singer's harmonious voice that required no auto tune or post production work. 

 

Jackie Shroff took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to share an unseen photo of him seeking the blessings of Asha Bhosle. Alongside the photo, he shared a moving note, noting that the veteran singer is ‘deeply embedded’ in him and he could never feel distant from her. 

 

For years now, classic Asha Bhosle songs have been remastered and remade for new Bollywood movies. In recent times, the singer's iconic track, Jhumka Gira Re, was featured in the movie Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. When asked if she was happy with the new version, the generous singer told Curly Tales, “Usse acha huya, mereko aur push mil gaya,” noting that the song only uses some words of her original track. 

Following the demise of the legendary singer, actress Kareena Kapoor, took to her Instagram stories to share a monochrome photo featuring the singer during the recording session of Mera Naam Joker. The photo also features music director Shankar Jaikishan and Raj Kapoor. She shared the rare click with a series of emojis. 

Smt. Droupadi Murmu shared a praise-worthy note for Asha Bhosle following her demise on April 12. Calling her ‘iconic’, she called Bhosle's demise ‘an irreparable loss to music lovers’. 
 

On the passing of Asha Bhosle, Team India's Head Coach Gautam Gambhir, took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to write, “Saddened by the demise of legendary Asha Bhosle Ji. Her elegance and incomparable talent will always remain in our memories!” 

Appearing on a reality show, veteran singer Asha Bhosle spoke emotionally, recalling the demise of her older sister, Lata Mangeshkar. She remembered a conversation in which her sister told her, “Sab chale gaye Kishore Da is no more, Mukesh ji no more, Rafi Da no more. Now, only the two sisters are left." She then confessed to feeling ‘alone’ when Mangeshkar passed away in 2022. The video has gone viral following the death of Asha Bhosle. 

 

On the passing of Asha Bhosle, Hema Malini took to her X account to recall her many collaborations with the singer. She particularly mentioned the death of Asha Bhosle being difficult for her, as the singer has voiced several of her songs. 

 

In an X post, Suniel Shetty wrote, “Some voices don’t just sing…they become a part of your life. Asha Taai was one of them. We’ve all grown up with her in some way - in our homes, our journeys, our quiet moments. End of an era feels like an understatement today.” 

Taking to his X account, cricketer Yuvraj Singh mentioned how there is always a Asha Bhosle song that fits all moods. 
 

UP CM Yogi Adityanath penned a long note praising the musical legacy of Asha Bhosle and her unparalleled contribution to Indian music. 
 

Just a few days before her passing, Asha Bhosle attended the wedding reception of Sachin Tendulkar's son, Arjun Tendulkar. Videos of the 93-year-old singer posing for the paparazzi at the event went viral online. Despite the old age and the complications that come with it, the singer appeared to be in high spirits and posed for the paps. 

 

Dharma Productions shared an official statement announcing the postponement of the Chand Mera Dil title track, which was scheduled for today, owing to the death of Asha Bhosle. 
 

In a condolence note for Asha Bhosle, Kajol, shared a photo of the veteran singer and called her a ‘legend’. Sharing a personal annectode the actress shared, I remember going for one of her recordings for a song that never released . I was 19 and she was amazing! What she made out of that simple melody was like watching a film.. I told her then that if I could bring one tenth of what she gave the song I would be a great actor .. the only word that comes to mind to describe her is Magnificent." 

Born in 1933, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at a young age, rising to prominence in the 1950s and eventually becoming one of the most celebrated playback singers in the world. Before marking her legacy in Bollywood, the veteran singer began her career at the age of 10 singing in Marathi. 

Asha Bhosle hailed from a musically gifted family. Her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, was a popular vocalist and was active in theatre. Her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, was an iconic playback singer who was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. Following in the family's footsteps, Asha Tai's granddaughter Zanai Bhosle has also made a music career.

Read More: Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar: A Musical Legacy Like No Other 

Following the death of Asha Bhosle on April 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his X account to share several photos with the legendary singer. Along with the candid clicks, he highlighted her contribution to Indian music and how her family shaped the country's rich musical legacy. 

Earlier today PM Modi had penned a note praying for the speedy recovery of Asha Bhosle when she was recovering at Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital. 

Bollywood actors, filmmakers and other industry insiders have always spoken fondly of Asha Bhosle and her family. Over the years, several actors have shared heartwarming moments with the legendary playback singer. The icon was fondly addressed as ‘Tai’, which roughly translates to big sister in Marathi. 

Kangana Ranaut took to her Instagram story to share a photo of Asha Bhosle and mentioned her being her ‘favourite singer’. 

Asha Bhosle's musical legacy was so rich that her songs recorded decades ago have still found a way to charm fans. Most recently, remastered versions of the singer's songs Piya Tu and Na To Karwan Ki Talaash Hai were used in the movie, Dhurandhar. Even the remix version of the songs became chartbusters.

Smriti Irani also took to her X (officially Twitter) account to pen a note expressing condolence on the demise of Asha Bhosle. 

 

“Unki surily awaaz hamesha hamesha ke liye amar rahegi," wrote Akshay Kumar in a moving post following Asha Bhosle's death. 
 

Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar are unarguably India's musical legends. The sister duo's contribution towards Indian music is unmatched. The passing away of Asha Bhosle today truly marks the end of an era. Following the news, a video of Asha with her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar has gone viral online. For the unversed, Mangeshkar pased away in 2022. 

 

Addressing the media in Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted the contributions of the Mangeshkar family to Indian music. He said, “This is a very sad moment for the whole of India and for music lovers around the world. Asha Bhosle, known as one of the most versatile artists, has passed away. The Mangeshkar family has contributed immensely to Indian music. We first saw the loss of the first star in the form of Lata Mangeshkar, and today the second star of music has also been lost. This is deeply painful for all of us.” 
 

Following the news of Asha Bhosle's death, visuals from outside her Malabar Hill residence surfaced online. As per reports, she had been residing there with her late sister Lata Mangeshkar. 

RRR star Jr NTR mourned the loss of Asha Bhosle on her passing at 92. In a note highlighting her rich musical legacy, the actor wrote, “Deeply saddened by the news of Asha Bhosle ji’s passing.” 

 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to her X account to express condolences on the passing away of Asha Bhosle. In a heartwarming note, she called the singer a ‘great musical genius’. 

Apart from cementing an unparalleled career in playback singing, Asha Bhosle, was also an entrepreneur. She launched succesful global business with her restaurant chain, Asha’s. As per reports, the singer's net worth is valued between ₹200-250 crore. 

Speaking to the media, the medical team treating Asha Bhosle confirmed her demise. "Asha Bhosale breathed her last today in Breach Candy Hospital. She passed away due to multi-organ failure," Dr Samdani said. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday evening following extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. 

Asha Bhosle's last rites will be held tomorrow in Mumbai, her son Anand, has confirmed the same.