Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passes away

Mumbai – Legendary singer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai today. Maharashtra Cultural Minister Ashish Shelar confirmed the news while speaking to the media outside the hospital. Her last rites will be held tomorrow at 4 PM at Shivaji Park. She was admitted to a private hospital in Mumbai yesterday evening due to a chest infection and exhaustion, as informed by her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle on social media.

Asha Bhosle was widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists in modern Indian music, with a career spanning several decades. Born in 1933 into the renowned Mangeshkar family, she began her singing career at the age of nine. She recorded her first film song in 1943, and by the 1950s, she had established a distinct identity for herself in Hindi cinema. Over the decades, she remained one of the most sought-after playback singers, working with leading music composers across the industry.

Among her most popular songs are ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar’, ‘In Ankhon Ki Masti’, ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’, ‘Piya Tu Ab to Aaja’, ‘Duniya Mein Logon Ko’, and ‘Zaara Se Jhoom Loon Main’, among others. Bhosle recorded over 12,000 songs in different Indian languages and has been the voice for many leading ladies, from Meena Kumari, Madhubala, and Zeenat Aman, to Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and also South actors like Padmini and Vyjayanthimala.

Sang in Multiple Languages

Born in 1933, she began her singing career in 1949. Asha Bhosle sang in multiple languages, including Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, and Telugu. She received the National Film Award for “Best Female Playback Singer” in 1981 and 1986. She also won the Filmfare Award seven times and was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. In March 2023, the Government of Maharashtra awarded her the Maharashtra Bhushan Award.

Some of her memorable Marathi songs include “Eka Talat Hoti,” “Kevha Tari Pahate,” “Phulle Re Kshan Maze,” “Tarun Aahe Ratra Ajuni,” “Hi Vaat Door Jaate,” “Gandh Phulancha Gela Sangoon,” “Reshamachya Reghani,” “Sainik Ho Tumchya Saathi,” “Naach Re Mora,” “Jivalaga Rahile Door Ghar Maze,” and “Mage Ubha Mangesh.” She also delivered countless evergreen songs in Hindi.

Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at 92, marking the end of an extraordinary musical era. Known for her expressive voice and unmatched versatility, from cabaret and film songs to ghazals and bhajans, she is truly irreplaceable.

Beginning in the 1940s, her… pic.twitter.com/8dp1SsLZYx

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) April 12, 2026

Prominent personalities from all fields have mourned her demise.

Tributes

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Asha Bhosle’s unparalleled musical journey spanning decades enriched our cultural heritage. Through music, she touched countless hearts worldwide. From soulful songs to energetic compositions, her voice had timeless brilliance. Her songs will continue to resonate forever.

Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra

With her passing, another star from the Mangeshkar family has faded. The beautiful garden of melodies feels deserted. Her voice was the soul of music; an evergreen season of song and an ocean of emotions. A Divine voice has been lost. A versatile singer who mastered many genres and adapted effortlessly, such a talent will never be seen again.