AR Rahman unveiled Asha Forever, a special tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, on her birthday, in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Also in attendance were Shri Ashish Shelar and the granddaughter of Asha Bhosle, Zanai Bhosle.
Speaking at the release of the tribute song, Rahman said, “I am deeply grateful to the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, for graciously inviting us and giving us his valuable time on this special occasion as we honour the legendary Asha Ji with this song. Asha Bhosle was Maharashtra’s and our national pride, she was our greatest strength in taking our music global. Her voice and music transcended every boundary, and it is very special to celebrate
her legacy.”
Recorded by Rahman with Asha Bhosle during her lifetime, Asha Forever also features students and musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. Filmed in London and Mumbai, Asha Forever has been penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
The tribute also carries forward a celebration originally envisioned during Asha Ji’s lifetime. Following her passing, AI technology was used with consent to realise visual elements of that original vision that could no longer be brought together in person.
Asha Bhosle Legacy And Death
Asha Bhosle, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, died on April 12, 2026, at the age of 92 in Mumbai. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on April 11 after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, and her condition later worsened. Doctors said she died due to multi-organ failure. Her last rites were held with full state honours at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on April 13.
Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Maharashtra, Asha Bhosle had a career spanning more than eight decades and recorded thousands of songs across multiple Indian languages. She received several of India’s highest honours, including the Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, as well as National Film Awards. On September 8, 2026, what would have been her 93rd birthday, her final feature-film song, Ae Meri Zindagi, was released as part of the upcoming film Om Ka Hari. The song was recorded in late 2023
Released by Rooh Records in India, Asha Forever is now available across all major music streaming platforms worldwide and is distributed by Warner Music India.
