Mumbai, Apr 12 (TNT): Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, one of India’s most iconic and influential musical voices, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital here on Sunday due to multiple organ failure.
She was 92.
Born as Asha Mangeshkar in Sangli, Maharashtra, she was the daughter of noted musician Deenanath Mangeshkar.
She began her singing career at the age of 10 with the Marathi film ‘Majha Bal’ (1943), and later entered Hindi cinema with ‘Chunariya’ (1948).
Her breakthrough came with ‘Naya Daur’ (1957), where songs like “Maang Ke Saath Tumhara” and “Uden Jab Jab Zulfein Teri” established her as a leading playback singer, even as contemporaries like Lata Mangeshkar, Shamshad Begum and Geeta Dutt dominated the era.
Over a career spanning more than eight decades, Bhosle carved a distinct identity with her versatility across genres.
Her collaborations with composer R. D. Burman, whom she later married, produced evergreen hits such as “Aaja Aaja” and “O Haseena Zulfon Wali” from Teesri Manzil (1966). She also became the voice behind iconic dancer Helen in songs like “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja” (Caravan, 1971) and “Yeh Mera Dil” (Don, 1978).
Her classical depth was evident in ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981), where songs like “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” earned her a National Film Award. She won another National Award for “Mera Kuchh Saamaan” from Ijaazat (1987).
Bhosle continued to remain relevant across generations, delivering hits like “Rangeela Re” (Rangeela, 1995), “Radha Kaise Na Jale” (Lagaan, 2001), and “Lucky Lips” (Lucky, 2005).
She recorded songs in more than 20 Indian and foreign languages, with estimates of over 12,000 songs to her credit.
In 2011, the Guinness World Records recognised her as the most recorded artist in music history.
Her contributions were honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008, among numerous other accolades including multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards.
In 2013, she made her acting debut in the film *Mai*, earning critical acclaim for her performance.
Tributes poured in from across the country, mourning the loss of a voice that defined generations of Indian music.
Her last rites will be held with full state honours in Mumbai on Monday.
TNT TS
Leave a Reply