Mumbai: Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, whose illustrious career spanned several decades and whose voice became synonymous with the golden era of Bollywood music, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. She breathed her last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital after battling health issues.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the veteran singer was admitted to the hospital after experiencing extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, as confirmed by her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle. Doctors later revealed that the cause of her death was multi-organ failure.
Asha Bhosle devoted her life to music, achieving immense fame through her versatile singing abilities, and became a pivotal figure in Indian music. However, her personal life was also marked by love and heartbreak. She married Ganpatrao Bhosle at a young age and had three children with him-Hemant, Varsha, and Anand. Despite her professional success, Asha faced personal challenges, including the loss of two of her children. Her daughter Varsha died by suicide in 2012, and her son Hemant succumbed to cancer in 2015.
Born into the renowned Mangeshkar family, Asha Bhosle was the daughter of Deenanath and Shevanti Mangeshkar. With her sister Lata Mangeshkar, she began working in films to support her family after her father’s death. Her siblings, including Usha, Meena, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar, also contributed significantly to India’s musical landscape.
After her first marriage ended, Asha found companionship with legendary composer RD Burman. The couple formed one of Bollywood’s most iconic singer-composer partnerships, although they did not have children together. Her family legacy continues with her grandchildren, such as Chaitanya and Zanai Bhosle.
The singer will be cremated with full state honors at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 4 pm. Numerous political leaders and Bollywood celebrities have gathered to pay their respects to the iconic singer, whose music will continue to resonate with fans worldwide.