Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 13 (ANI): India bid a tearful farewell to legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12 at the age of 92, as tributes poured in from across the music and film fraternity, including an emotional remembrance by singer Anuradha Paudwal.
Speaking to ANI, Paudwal mourned the loss of the iconic voice, saying, “We have lost a very great singer. It is a very sad day. But by defying this age, by defeating all the problems in life, she has emerged a winner.”
Paudwal and Bhosle shared a rich musical association over the years, collaborating on several notable tracks across genres.
Their work ranged from Bollywood film songs to devotional and regional music. Among their collaborations were ‘Prem Ka Granth Padhoo’ from ‘Tohfa Mohabbat Ka’, the Marathi hit ‘Aala Aala Vara’, and the Punjabi track ‘Meri Chunni Da Chamke’ alongside Gurdas Maan. The duo also lent their voices to the devotional album Shiv Stuti, featuring bhajans dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The passing of Asha Bhosle marks the end of an extraordinary era in Indian music. Draped in the Tricolour, her mortal remains were placed for public homage at her residence in Mumbai on Monday, with state honours underscoring her immense contribution to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Her final rites are scheduled to take place at Shivaji Park at 4 pm with full state honours, today.
Political leaders and members of the entertainment industry gathered to pay their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, describing Bhosle as “one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known.”
Among those who visited her residence were NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray along with Rashmi Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, actor Riteish Deshmukh, Tabu, Rakesh Roshan, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, and minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Visuals from the residence showed a sombre atmosphere, with family members, fans, and industry colleagues gathering in silence as ceremonial proceedings were carried out.
Bhosle’s contribution to Indian music remains unparalleled. A Guinness World Record holder for most studio recordings, she was known for her remarkable versatility across genres. Alongside her sister Lata Mangeshkar, she helped define the golden era of Hindi film music. (ANI)