Garvita Odia
Bhubaneswar: Legendary playback singer Padma Vibhushan Asha Bhosle died at 92 in Mumbai on Sunday. She was admitted to the city’s Breach Candy Hospital around 7 pm on Saturday after her condition deteriorated following a chest infection and fatigue, and was under close observation in the ICU. “She was brought in a critical state and despite all efforts, she succumbed to multi-organ failure at 12 noon today,” Dr Pratit Samdani said.
Soon after her death, tributes poured in from all quarters as from artists to political leaders offered their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered her as the “one of the most and versatile voices India has ever known”. “Deeply saddened” by Bhosle’s passing away, he said,”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.” modi extended his condolences to her family, admirers and music lovers. “She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives.”
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.
