Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle, whose voice shaped Bollywood music for decades, passed away on Sunday in Mumbai at the age of 92, her family confirmed.
Asha Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest and complications related to a lung condition. She had been hospitalised in critical condition with severe exhaustion and a chest infection.
Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news while speaking to reporters outside the hospital. “My mother passed away today (Sunday). Her last rites will be held tomorrow at Shivaji Park in Mumbai,” he said.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest playback singers in Indian cinema, Bhosle recorded more than 12,000 songs over a remarkable career spanning seven decades. She sang in multiple Indian and international languages and received numerous accolades, including several National Film Awards.
Born on September 8, 1933, into a musical family, Bhosle began performing at a young age alongside her elder sister, the legendary Lata Mangeshkar, who was often referred to as “India’s nightingale” and died in 2022.
Despite frequent comparisons with her sister, Bhosle established her own distinct identity in music, gaining recognition for her extraordinary versatility. Her repertoire ranged from classical compositions and ghazals to cabaret-style songs and pop music.
Her early years were marked by personal struggles, including a difficult marriage at the age of 16. However, she went on to become one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema.
In recognition of her immense contribution to Indian music, Bhosle received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2001 and earned two nominations for the Grammy Awards.
Even in her later years, she continued to collaborate with international artists, including a recent appearance on the album The Mountain (Parvat) by the British virtual band Gorillaz.
Outside of music, Asha Bhosle also pursued her passion for cuisine by launching the Asha’s restaurant chain, with outlets in Dubai and the United Kingdom.
Her death marks the end of an era in South Asian music, leaving behind a legacy that influenced generations of singers and music lovers around the world.