Indian legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, celebrated for her versatility and high-energy performances across countless Bollywood films, has died at the age of 92 in Mumbai, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
Renowned across generations in India and internationally, Bhosle also gained global recognition through collaborations with British musician Boy George.
“Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Over her long and illustrious career, Bhosle received two Grammy nominations and was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest award in cinema, as well as the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian honour.
“Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance,” Modi said in a message on X of Bhosle, whose career spanned eight decades.
Bhosle, the younger sister of iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar, was earlier admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai on Saturday evening after suffering a chest infection and exhaustion, according to her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle.
Tributes have continued to pour in from the entertainment industry, with many describing her as a towering figure in Indian music.
“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.
Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed her death to ANI news agency, adding that her funeral will be held in Mumbai on Monday.
