Some voices don’t just sing songs, they quietly carry languages, emotions and memories across generations. Long after the music fades, what remains is a feeling, something deeply familiar. For many, that
feeling has always been Asha Bhosle.
Days after her passing on April 12, the legendary singer has been posthumously honoured with the Mohsin-e-Urdu Award by Mumbai-based Urdu Markaz. The recognition celebrates her role in bringing Urdu poetry and expression to a wide audience through her music.
The organisation pointed to her timeless songs such as Dil Cheez Kya Hai, Justuju Jis Ki Thi, Nigahen Milane Ko Jee Chahta Hai and Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu as examples of how her voice helped Urdu reach listeners far beyond its traditional space.
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Advocate Zubair Azmi, associated with the Urdu Markaz, shared that the award had originally been announced in January 2026, and Bhosle had agreed to accept it. However, the ceremony was delayed due to her travel plans to the United States and the postponement of the organisation’s festival.
Recalling a personal interaction with the singer, Azmi said, “I was spellbound when I heard her voice. I told her that, despite her not knowing Urdu, her songs took the language to Jhumri Telaiya — a town in Jharkhand, but also slang for a remote and inaccessible place — Ahmedabad and other places. She corrected me and said that she knew Urdu, having learnt the alphabets when her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, took lessons in the language and diction from Ustad Altaf Hussain Luft,” Azmi said. “Luft lived in Madanpura, a few buildings away from where I live.”
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He added, “I also told her that she must have received bigger awards, but this could be her first from an Urdu literary organisation,” Azmi added.
The Mohsin-e-Urdu Award has previously been conferred on several noted artists, including Lata Mangeshkar, Khayyam, Sudha Malhotra and Suman Kalyanpur. Urdu Markaz had also honoured actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar, who writes in Urdu under the pen name ‘Shafaq’, at its Bhendi Bazaar Urdu Festival in 2024.
Meanwhile, the country continues to mourn the loss of Asha Bhosle, who passed away at the age of 92 due to multiple organ failure. She had been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on April 11 following a chest infection.
Also Read:Zanai Bhosle Breaks Down In Tears At Grandmother Asha Bhosle’s Asthi Visarjan Ritual | Video
Her final journey was carried out with full state honours. Her mortal remains were taken to Shivaji Park for the last rites, with the cremation taking place at the Late Bhagoji Baluji Keer Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi.
Before the final rites, her residence in Lower Parel was opened to the public between 11 am and 3 pm, allowing fans and members of the film and political fraternity to pay their respects. Among those who arrived to offer condolences were Uddhav Thackeray, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, Sachin Tendulkar, Riteish Deshmukh and A. R. Rahman.
May her soul rest in peace!
