In Brief
- Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, known by many as the sound of Bollywood, has died aged 92.
- She also gained global acclaim and collaborated with international artists including Britain’s Boy George.
Asha Bhosle, the iconic Indian singer who shaped Bollywood music in the 1970s and 80s, has passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai. Her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and admirers worldwide.
Bhosle was celebrated for her dynamic and versatile singing style, captivating audiences across generations in India with her performances in numerous Bollywood films.
Her influence extended beyond Indian borders, as she collaborated with international artists like British singer Boy George. Her legacy also inspired the British band Cornershop, whose 90s hit “Brimful of Asha” paid homage to her.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on her impact, stating, “Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Bhosle received two Grammy nominations and was honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in the arts, as well as the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian award.
Modi further praised her contributions: “Whether through her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried a timeless brilliance,” he remarked on social media, acknowledging a career that spanned eight remarkable decades.
Bhosle, who was the younger sister of singer Lata Mangeshkar, had been moved to a private hospital in Mumbai on Saturday evening because of a chest infection and exhaustion, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle said earlier.
Her son Anand Bhosle, confirming her death to ANI news agency, said Bhosle’s funeral will be held in Mumbai on Monday.
Reuters could not immediately confirm the details.
From child star to most recorded artist
Bhosle began her career at the age of 10 singing in the Western Indian language of Marathi and went on to be recognised as the most recorded artist by the Guinness World Records in 2011, with more than 11,000 songs.
“Asha ji, who touched millions of hearts with her voice, left an indelible mark not just in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and many other languages, but also in folk songs,” India’s home minister Amit Shah said.
“Her extraordinary ability to adapt to every genre of music won over every heart,” Shah said in a post on X.
Some of Bhosle’s most popular songs range from a Bollywood cabaret number titled Piya Tu Ab Toh Aa Ja, which translates roughly to “Come to me, my love” to more soulful melodies like In Ankhon Ki Masti, meaning the mischief in my eyes.
She partnered with Boy George in 1991 for a track titled Bow Down Mister.
Tributes to Bhosle flowed from across the arts world.
“Her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema and will continue to resonate world over for centuries to come,” Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan wrote on X.
Her talent will outlive many, Khan added.
“She who lent so much vivacity and character to her songs has left us grieving,” said actor Hema Malini on X.
Bhosle toured Australia in 2016 as part of her international Farewell Tour, rocking arenas all over the country at the age of 82.
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