The death of Asha Bhosle at the age of 92 marks the end of an era in Indian music –one that she shared, shaped and defined alongside her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar. Long before Asha’s demise, the industry had already bid farewell to Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, 2022, at the age of 92 due to multiple organ failure following COVID-19 complications.
Together, the Mangeshkar sisters witnessed and contributed to the golden age of Bollywood music. While Lata became synonymous with soulful, classical and melodious playback singing, Asha carved a distinct identity with her versatility –effortlessly moving between cabaret numbers, ghazals, pop, folk and experimental tracks. From romantic ballads to high-energy dance songs, their
combined body of work spans thousands of songs across multiple languages, influencing generations of singers and composers.
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Over the years, there were frequent whispers of rivalry between the two, largely fuelled by their immense success and the industry’s tendency to pit them against each other. However, Asha Bhosle had addressed these rumours with her signature warmth in an earlier interview, as per Humara Forums. She had said, “She’s my sister and my favourite singer. People did carry tales and try to create trouble, but blood is thicker than water. I remember, sometimes both of us would be at a function and some industry types would ignore me and interact only with her, as if to prove their loyalty. Later, didi and I would have a good laugh!”
Details of her final rites have now been announced. Asha Bhosle’s mortal remains will be kept at her residence from 11 am to 3 pm tomorrow, allowing family, friends, colleagues and fans to pay their last respects.
Asha Bhosle’s last rites will take place later in the day at Shivaji Park at 4 pm. The venue, which has hosted the final journeys of several prominent figures, is expected to see a large turnout from across the film and music fraternity. Her son Anand Bhosle has told the media present outside the hospital, “Meri mataji Shrimati Asha Bhosle inka aaj nidhan ho chuka hai. Woh Jahan rehti thi, Casa grand lower parel 11am, wahan unke antim darshan honge, wahan aaiye aur kal dopahar ko 4 baje Shivaji park unka antim sanskar hoga (She passed away today. Those who wish to pay their last respects can visit her residence tomorrow at 11 am. The last rites will be performed tomorrow at 4 pm at Shivaji Park).”
