Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, whose voice defined generations of Bollywood music, has died at the age of 92 in Mumbai, reports Hindustan Times.
She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday after suffering cardiac and respiratory complications.
Family sources said she had been unwell for several months and was taken to hospital in critical condition. She was later shifted to the ICU. Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news on Sunday. The last rites will be held on Monday.
For decades, Bhosle’s versatile voice echoed across Indian cinema, from romantic melodies to energetic dance numbers and soulful ghazals. Her stature in Hindi film music was rivalled only by her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar.
Born in 1933 into the renowned Mangeshkar family, she began singing professionally at just nine. Her first film song came in 1943, and by the 1950s she had carved out a distinct identity in Bollywood. Over the next three decades, she became one of the most sought-after playback singers, collaborating with leading composers and experimenting with multiple genres.
Initially typecast in cabaret-style songs, Bhosle later showcased remarkable range, delivering acclaimed ghazals in films like Umrao Jaan. She won the Filmfare Best Female Playback Singer Award seven times and received two National Film Awards for memorable songs in Umrao Jaan and Ijaazat.
Despite her success, Bhosle remained candid about changing musical trends. In a 2023 interview, she said she preferred listening to classical music and older songs, believing they helped her refine her singing. She occasionally praised contemporary singers but admitted she rarely listened to modern tracks.
Her personal life saw both struggle and resilience. At 16, she married Ganpatrao Bhosle against her family’s wishes. The marriage ended in 1960 after reported mistreatment. In 1980, she married celebrated composer Rahul Dev Burman following a long relationship. Burman, son of legendary composer Sachin Dev Burman, died in 1994.
In her later years, she remained close to her family, especially her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle, who was often by her side.
With her passing, Indian music loses not just a voice, but a living bridge between eras—one that sang through changing times and remained unforgettable to millions.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
