New Delhi, Apr 12 (PTI) Music lovers across generations mourned the passing of iconic singer Asha Bhosle on Sunday, describing it as the end of an era and recalling how her melodious, versatile voice captivated audiences for decades, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying her songs will forever resonate in people’s lives.
Glowing tributes poured in for ‘Asha tai’, as she was affectionately called, from political leaders, members of her film fraternity, sportspersons and people from all walks of life.
“The passing of Asha Bhosle Ji has created a huge void in the world of music. Her legendary career as an iconic singer has defined an era of music in India… She led her life on her own terms as an artist and as an individual… Her music will live forever,” President Droupadi Murmu said, echoing the sentiments of the countless fans of the singer.
In his message on X, Modi said that Bhosle’s extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched Indian cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle ji, one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known,” he said. Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, Bhosle’s voice carried timeless brilliance.
“I will forever cherish the memories of my conversations with her. My condolences to her family, fans and music lovers. She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever resonate in people’s lives,” Modi said.
The 92-year-old singer who ruled Bollywood for over seven decades with her wide range of memorable songs passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital in South Mumbai.
“Today is a sorrowful day for every Indian, and especially for every music lover like me, as our beloved Asha Bhosle ji is no longer among us,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.
Extending his condolences to her family and admirers, Shah said Asha tai not only carved out a unique identity with her sweet voice and unparalleled talent, but also enriched Indian music further through her melodies.
“Her extraordinary ability to adapt to every genre of music won over every heart. Asha ji, who touched millions of hearts with her voice, left an indelible mark not just in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and many other languages, but also in folk songs,” Shah said.
Through her voice, Asha Bhosle’s art will forever remain immortal among people, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said.
“In the passing away of Asha Bhosle, an era of playback singing comes to an end. An epitome of legendary versatility and grace, her unique style of singing was appreciated by millions across the globe,” Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said in an X post.
Vice President C P Radhakrishnan said her versatile voice allowed her to effortlessly transition across genres, mastering soulful ghazals and traditional bhajans. “Her timeless voice and musical legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of millions and inspire generations to come,” Radhakrishnan said.
Members of the film industry recalled their association, with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan describing her voice as one of the pillars of Indian cinema.
“It’s truly sad to learn about Asha tai’s passing… her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema and will continue to resonate world over for centuries to come. A talent that will outlive many, she always showered me with blessings and love and I will miss her. Rest in Peace Asha tai… love you,” the superstar said Actor Kajol, one of the many female stars for whom she lent her voice, recalled watching Asha Bhosle record a song when she was 19.
“Asha tai was, is and will always be a legend .. as a singer, as a persona and as a human being .. loved everything about her.. from her love of life, food and sense of humour and of course her first love .. her singing! ” Actor and BJP MP Hema Malini said she shared a deep emotional bond with Bhosle and found it hard to believe that someone so full of life was gone.
“She has made many of my songs so popular with her unique voice and style. I had a very special relationship with both Lata ji and Asha ji, who have contributed in no small measure to my rise in the film industry,” she wrote.
“It is a huge loss for Maharashtra and for the whole of India that can never be compensated or replaced ever,” she said.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said it is “a deeply sad day for India, and for music lovers across the world”.
“For us, Asha Tai was family. Today, words feel too small for the loss we feel. One moment, the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the countless melodies she gifted all of us. It feels as though time itself has paused. Yet through her eternal songs, she will remain timeless forever.
“Thank you, Tai, for filling our lives with warmth, grace, and unforgettable music. We will miss you beyond words, Asha Tai.” PTI TEAM RT RT
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