The
passing of Asha Bhosle has left the Indian music industry in deep mourning. The legendary singer, often hailed as one of the most versatile voices in Indian cinema, passed away at the age of 92 after being admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital due to extreme exhaustion and a severe chest infection. As tributes are pouring in from across the country, composer Anu Malik shared an emotional and deeply personal remembrance, revealing how the loss feels like losing his mother all over again.
Anu Malik mourns the loss of Asha Maa
According to official confirmation by her son
Anand Bhosle and doctors, the Padma Vibhushan awardee breathed her last on Sunday afternoon. Her mortal remains were later taken to her residence, where family members gathered to prepare for the final rites scheduled for April 13.Speaking to Zoom exclusively, Anu Malik recalled his early days in the industry and how Asha Bhosle played a crucial role in shaping his journey. He described her not just as a legendary singer, but as an extraordinary human being who went out of her way to support a young, struggling composer. He said, "She was not only a great singer but a greater human being."
Malik shared a vivid memory from 1977 when he was just 14 years old and had recently begun his career. Despite being extremely busy and unwell at the time, Asha Bhosle came on the set. The singer remembered how she arrived on set with her hand in a plaster, yet remained committed to her work. For Malik, that moment became a defining one, symbolising her generosity and dedication.He spoke about how she “held his little finger” and guided him through the complexities of the music industry. Over the years, she went on to sing numerous songs for him. Their relationship extended beyond professional boundaries, as Malik revealed he shared close ties with her family and often spent time at her home. He recalled, "I was really close to her son Hemant and her younger son, Nandu (Anand Bhosle). And I was very, close to everybody there."
Anu Malik calls Asha Bhosle's death personal loss
The composer’s grief was especially poignant as he talked about his personal loss. Having lost his own mother in 2021, Malik said Asha Bhosle’s passing feels like reliving that pain. He fondly referred to her as 'Asha Maa'. Malik also praised her unparalleled versatility, noting how effortlessly she could transition between genres. From ghazals to pop numbers and classical compositions, Asha Bhosle’s range was unmatched. He pointed out how she could deliver iconic tracks across styles and said, "How do you explain a woman singing Dum maaro dum and then also singing, O Haseena Zulfon Wali and also singing Umrao Jaan."Asha Bhosle's contribution to music spans decades, with timeless songs that has made her a legend of Indian cinema. Asha’s last song was The Shadowy Light, a collaborative track with the British virtual band Gorillaz for their album The Mountain.