Asha Bhosle passes away at 92: Nation mourns as leaders, celebrities and artists pay tribute

New Delhi: The nation plunged into grief on Saturday, April 12, as legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 93. After experiencing chest pain, she was hospitalised on the night of April 11 and breathed her last the following day. As news of her demise spread, leaders, artistes and admirers across political and cultural spheres poured in tributes, remembering her as a timeless voice who shaped generations of Indian music.

Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news and shared details of the final rites. “My mother passed away today. People can pay their last respects to her at 11 am tomorrow at Casa Grande, Lower Parel, where she lived. Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm tomorrow at Shivaji Park.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji, one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known. Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world. Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance. I’ll always cherish the interactions I’ve had with her.

My condolences to her family, admirers and music lovers. She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called her loss deeply personal and national. “The passing of India’s melody queen, Asha Bhosle ji, is extremely painful for me. As a playback singer, she lent her voice to thousands of films and music albums. Generations of Indians have listened to and hummed her songs. The echo of her sweet melodies will resonate forever,” Singh said.

“The demise of Asha Bhosle ji is an irreplaceable loss for the music world. In this hour of grief, my condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti!”

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote, “Profoundly saddened by the demise of the great musical genius Asha Bhosle.

She has been an inspiring and mesmerising singer who reigned over our hearts for generations.

She sang many Bengali songs too, and is incredibly popular in Bengal also. We could confer our highest civilian award ‘Bangabibhushan’ on her in 2018.

My heartfelt condolences to her family and fraternity and millions of her fans all over the world.”

State Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar underlined the global resonance of her music and confirmed that her last rites would be conducted with full state honours. “Today, the entire country and Maharashtra are mourning the end of an era. Her work and her music were a source of joy not only for India but for the entire world,” Shelar said.

He added that members of the public will be able to pay their last respects at her residence in Lower Parel from 11 am to 3 pm, and her last rites will be performed at Shivaji Park crematorium at 4 pm with full state honours.

Singer Harshdeep Kaur wrote on Instagram, Asha Bhosle ji – “The Voice of Love” is no longer with us.. Unable to accept this news.. just met her last month and took her blessings.. her aura as always put me in awe.. She was an inspiration.. an institution of music.. she will always live with us through her melodious songs.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with leaders and office bearers of the Shiv Sena, paid a standing tribute to the singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee following her demise.

Filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt said, “She lived a full life. She didn’t suffer much. She went gracefully. She hardly sang for me. She sang only one song for me. She is a legend. Asha Bhosle will stay alive till music is alive. She and Lata Mangeshkar both will live as long as their voices and melodies resonates in the hearts of people.”

Actor Akshay Kumar expressed, “No words can convey the loss I feel at Asha Bhosle ji’s demise. Unki surily awaaz hamesha hamesha ke liye amar rahengi. Om Shanti.”

Actor Tabu shared an emotional note on Instagram, “Tell me of your most memorable days..
Tell me of the moments you will never forget. Tell me what moves you the most..
Tell me of your most prized possessions. It was my birthday in November and there it was,through my door..this beauty ..this guitar..Ashaji’s gift to me.

Words could never hold the gratitude I feel..
I love and admire you more than I can say,Ashaji..
Through your songs we felt love and longing..pain and passion..
I will hold on to this for life and
Someday soon I hope I can play your songs to you on this.
@asha.bhosle”

 

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With tributes continuing to pour in, the passing of Asha Bhosle marks the end of an unparalleled musical era. Yet, as leaders and artistes echoed in one voice, her songs will continue to resonate across generations, keeping her immortal in India’s cultural memory.