Renowned vocalist Asha Bhosle, aged 92, passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure. She took her last breath at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where she was being treated for severe fatigue and a chest infection. In interviews with SCREEN, various celebrities, including Udit Narayan, Usha Uthup, Anu Malik, Ismail Darbar, and Hariharan, expressed their sorrow over her passing and honored her remarkable legacy.
Udit Narayan reflected on her lasting impact, stating, “This is truly heartbreaking. The music community has suffered an irreplaceable loss. It’s incredibly shocking. Ashaji was unique; her voice has been a part of our lives since we began to appreciate music. Working alongside her on tracks for films like Dil Toh Pagal Hai and Lagaan was a dream come true. She has made an indelible mark on Indian cinema. The nation mourns her loss, and she was still performing at 92. I witnessed her on stage last year—an experience beyond imagination. Her ability to sing in multiple languages and styles showcased her extraordinary versatility.”
Lyricist Irshad Kamil honored the legendary singer, saying, “Some voices are immortal, and Asha ji’s legacy will forever resonate with us. She provided us with countless moments to cherish and learn from, exemplifying commitment and artistry. Her remarkable versatility and expressive range made her a towering figure in the Hindi film music scene. In my eyes, she hasn’t truly left us; it’s just that she can no longer share her voice with the world, which is profoundly sad.”
Dia Mirza reminisced about her childhood memories of Asha Bhosle’s music. “I grew up adoring her voice and singing along to her songs! It was an incredible honor to feature alongside her in a music video in Paris when I was just 18. She possessed a kind, humble, and beautiful spirit. Her music embodies her unstoppable essence, and her legacy will continue to inspire countless individuals and spread love indefinitely.”
Composer Ismail Darbar reflected on her unique talent, stating, “Artists like Asha Tai are rare. She was an exceptional singer, and even today, we draw inspiration from her work when composing. She has set a standard we all aspire to, and her contributions to the industry will be remembered for generations.”
Usha Uthup, a veteran singer who worked with Asha on the classic song “I Love You” from the 1971 film Hare Rama Hare Krishna, shared her thoughts on Asha’s artistry. “Beyond the technical aspects, Asha has been one of the most iconic and versatile singers of our era. Future generations will continue to be influenced by her music. This is a significant loss for all of us. While her physical presence is no longer here, the wealth of her work will endure. I sing ‘Dum Maaro Dum’ every day and remain grateful for her music. Thank you, Ashaji; you are now in a better place. May your soul rest in peace.”
Playback artist Hariharan spoke about the profound loss of Asha Bhosle, saying, “Her passing is shocking and deeply sorrowful. It was a privilege to share our time with her. For decades, she remained at the pinnacle of her craft. She sang every genre with unmatched brilliance, and even at 90, she was vibrant and full of life. Her dedication to music serves as an inspiration for all artists. May her soul rest in peace.”
Anu Malik expressed his deep sorrow over her death, stating, “I am utterly devastated by this news. Asha ji sang my very first song in 1977, and I regarded her as a mother figure. With her passing, it feels as though I have lost my mother once more. She was a remarkable artist with a heart of gold, capable of singing across all genres—from rock and pop to Indian classical and ghazals. Her departure marks the end of an era.”
Rahul Vaidya shared his sentiments, stating, “The news of Asha ji’s passing is truly unfortunate. She was a cornerstone of Indian music, and her absence will be profoundly felt. Her extraordinary career and resilience in facing personal hardships have left a lasting impression. My prayers are with her family, and her songs will always be a part of our lives.”
Asha Bhosle’s funeral is scheduled for Monday. Her family released a statement saying, “Om Shanti. You will live forever, Asha Bhosle Ji. The final viewing will take place from 10 am to 2 pm at Casa Grande Tower A, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, followed by the last rites at 4 pm at Shivaji Park.”
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