Asha Bhosle passes away: Final rites to be held in Mumbai tomorrow

Asha Bhosle was honoured by the Guinness World Records in 2011 as the most recorded artist in music history. With an extraordinary catalogue of around 11,000 songs—spanning solos, duets and chorus pieces in over 20 Indian languages since 1947—she set a benchmark few could match. The recognition, awarded in October that year, underscored not just her prolific output but her rare versatility and enduring influence across seven decades of music.

Asha Bhosle made history as the first Indian artist to earn Grammy nominations. She was recognised twice—first in 1997 for her work on the album Legacy, and again in 2005 for You’ve Stolen My Heart—highlighting her global impact on music.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed deep grief over the passing of Asha Bhosle, describing her death as an irreplaceable loss to the nation and the world of music, while recalling the enduring legacy she shared with Lata Mangeshkar.

He said, "We are all very sad today. Ever since we came to our senses, we have mostly heard only two names, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. We grew up listening to their songs. Goddess Saraswati resided in her voice; she had not only captivated music lovers in India but also in many countries around the world. This is a loss for the nation, for the world of music, such a loss that cannot be compensated. After Lata ji, now Asha ji is also no more. This is a very great loss for all of us.”

Hridaynath Mangeshkar had expressed a wish for his book ‘He Hruday Te, Te Hruday’ to be launched by his sister Asha Bhosle

Publisher Ashok Mule revealed the details at a public event

The launch event schedule could not be finalised in time

Actor Urmila Matondkar mourns the loss of Asha Bhosle, says she is “heart broken beyond words”, shares emotional tribute on Instagram.

Urmila Matondkar calls Asha Bhosle her “Ultimate Bhakt” and “My Goddess”, posts a series of pictures highlighting their long association.

"Heart broken beyond words. Always told her I'm not her fan but her Ultimate Bhakt..My Goddess," she wrote on Instagram.

Aamir Khan mourned the passing of Asha Bhosle, describing it as the end of an era and a loss that extends beyond the film industry to the entire world.

He told reporters in Shirdi, “For the whole industry, for the whole country, for the whole world. I am a big fan of hers. And this is a very sad thing, it’s a big loss. It’s the end of an era. My heartfelt condolences to the country, all our fans, her family, everyone. We are all her family. We pray that her soul may rest in peace.”

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Mahishini Colonné took to X to remember the late legend. She wrote, “A voice that transcended borders. In this rare moment, Asha Bhosle shares her music alongside Sri Lankan artists, reminding us how deeply her voice connected across cultures and languages. A timeless legend. Forever remembered. Rest in peace (sic).”

Mumbai Indians players wore black armbands as a mark of respect, while a moment of silence was observed at Wankhede Stadium to honour the legendary Asha Bhosle.

Taking to X, AR Rahman wrote, “Asha Bhosle Ji lives forever with her voice and aura 🌹🫶🏼🤲🏼... What an artist 🫶🏼 #AshaBhosle (sic).”

The collaboration between A. R. Rahman and Asha Bhosle began in the mid-1990s and brought together two very different musical styles. One of their most famous projects was the film Rangeela (1995), where songs like ‘Tanha Tanha’ and ‘Rangeela Re’ became hugely popular and helped reintroduce Bhosle’s voice to a younger audience. After that, they worked on several songs across Hindi and Tamil films, including ‘Radha Kaise Na Jale’ (Lagaan), ‘Kahin Aag Lage’ (Taal), and ‘September Madham’ (Alaipayuthey).

BJP's Anurag Thakur told ANI, "This is very sad news. The versatile and great singer Asha Bhosle ji is no longer with us. Asha Tai sang songs in many languages...she was also a huge fan of cricket, loved the sport so much...India has lost a singer who inspired many generations...no one else can fill this void."

As per ANI, K. T. Rama Rao stated, “Today, the world of Indian music has lost a rare and priceless voice. The news of the passing of Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle, who entertained millions with her voice for nearly eight decades, has deeply saddened me. She was not just a singer, but an era in the Indian film industry. The thousands of songs she sang will remain musical lessons for generations to come.”

“The melodious songs she sang in Telugu will also stay forever in our hearts. Her death is an irreplaceable loss to the Indian art world. Praying for peace to her soul, I extend my deepest condolences to her family members and fans,” Rao added.

After news of Bhosle’s death broke, a throwback photograph of the sisters began doing the rounds on social media. The photo was originally shared by Bhosle in 2022. The monochrome image captures the two sisters posing for the camera.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and senior state leaders on Sunday paid rich tributes to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, lauding her unparalleled contribution to Indian music.

Patel, in a post on X, said, "The demise of the renowned singer 'Sur Samragni' Asha Bhosle ji is extremely heartbreaking. With her energetic and versatile singing, she enriched the world of music and left an indelible mark on the hearts of generations through countless immortal songs."

“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,” SRK said on X.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal has paid a heartfelt tribute to music icon Asha Bhosle, who died on Sunday morning, leaving the entire nation in deep grief, as per ANI.

Shreya Ghoshal took to social media and reflected on the loss of a "voice that defined generations".

"Today, we lost a voice that defined generations... a spirit that redefined music itself. Asha Bhosle ji wasn't just legendary, she was limitless," she said.

Congress leader V D Satheesan and Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday condoled the demise of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, remembering her as one of India's most versatile and enduring musical icons.

In a post on X, Satheesan described her as a "sensational and supremely versatile artist" whose range-from ghazals to pop-was truly unmatched.

He said her voice would live on forever through her timeless songs.

Chandrasekhar, a former Union minister, expressed deep sorrow over her passing, saying her immortal songs would ensure that she remained alive in the hearts of millions.

In a Facebook post, he said that no matter how much time passes, Asha Bhosle would always stay with people through the countless evergreen songs she rendered.

"Her golden voice enriched our lives with music for decades. I join her family, fans, and the entire music fraternity in mourning her loss and offer my heartfelt condolences," he said. (PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on Sunday stated demise of Asha Bhosle is an "irreparable loss to the realm of the arts."

In a post on X in Hindi, Yogi Adityanath said, "The passing of the 'Empress of Melody' (swar samragyi) of the Indian music world, the great musical virtuoso and 'Padma Vibhushan' recipient, Asha Bhosle ji, is an extremely sorrowful event and constitutes an irreparable loss to the realm of the arts.

"Her unparalleled artistry in singing elevated Indian music to new heights. Her melodious voice will resonate in the hearts of the people of this nation forever."

After learning about Asha Bhosle's death, Shankar Mahadevan paid an emotional tribute to his "Asha Tai".

In a video message, Mahadevan said, "A very sad day for all of us and a very sad day for Indian music. I cannot believe that our dearest Asha Tayi is no more. I am not able to express my sorrow and what I am feeling right now, as a musician, as didi's worshipper, as a very close family friend and looking up to her like Maa Saraswati."

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Sunday mourned the passing of veteran singer Asha Bhosle, saying her versatile voice allowed her to effortlessly transition across genres.

Bhosle, 92, passed away in Mumbai on Sunday, a day after she was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital due to chest infection and exhaustion.

“Asha ji's versatile voice allowed her to effortlessly transition across genres, mastering soulful ghazals and traditional bhajans,” the vice president posted on X.

Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar on Sunday said that legendary singer Asha Bhosle will be cremated with full state honours after her demise at the age of 92, as per ANI.

Shelar told reporters that the entire country and Maharashtra are mourning the end of an era, noting that Bhosle's contribution to music gave happiness not only to India but also to audiences worldwide.