Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at 92, following multi-organ failure. We spoke to members of the city’s film, television and music fraternity to know what Asha Bhosle meant to them — and the memories she leaves behind.I first met Ashaji 38 years ago, at Pancham da’s home, when he was listening to my songs. He immediately called her, saying, ‘Come and hear this – it’s something you’ve never heard before.’ Later, she called me herself, wanting to learn music from me on RD Burman’s recommendation. Beyond her genius, I remember her warmth – cooking fish curry for my family and hosting us with such generosity. Even three months ago, we were at AR Rahman’s studio, singing Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo as he played the piano. We talked and shared so m any stories that I remember fondly. There was no one like her—and there never will be – Pt Ajoy Chakrabarty Musician duo Sourendra-Soumojit remembers her as a great cook & an equally great host. “Whenever we went for rehearsals at her home, she let us use SD Burman’s harmonium, which was also used by RD. Over and above being a great artiste, she was a great human being. Without her, the world won’t be the same for us ever again,” Sourendra said, adding, “Beyond knowing Ashaji as a legendary singer, we first knew her as a master chef, and then as a gracious host.
Conversations always began with warmth – over meals she cooked herself—flowing into anecdotes that spanned decades, bridging the worlds of the East and West, and the many icons she had known along the way –Sourendro MullickWe are perhaps too small to say anything about an artist of her stature, but what we witnessed in person will remain a treasure forever. On that rainy afternoon at her home in Parel, we found ourselves with the one and only Ashaji – losing count of the songs she sang, the stories she shared, and the warmth she radiated.
She spoke often of her deep love for Bengal – its food, its literature, and the people she worked with. Artistes like her never truly leave; their music lives on.
And yet, the world will never quite be the same without her –Soumyojit DasSince I worked with Salil Chowdhury, I have had the pleasure of interacting and working with her in Trishagni. Asha Bhonsle has sung one of my compositions of a serial as well. I remember she had a bad leg cramp that day and we were unsure if she would be able to record the song – but she performed and how! She loved to test her skills, to walk through the fire. Her zest and playfulness in the recording room is something that still amazes me –Debojyoti MishraI first met Ashaji while recording Sharara Sharara. Yash Chopra had asked me to call her at 6 – I assumed he meant the evening, not 6am during her riyaaz. By 10am, Yashji called to scold me, and that’s when I realised Ashaji had already been doing rewaaz since 4am. Even then, she was singing for a young Shamita Shetty, just starting out. Her discipline and energy were remarkable. When I finally called, she laughed and said she’d complain to my father – whom she adored – for my tardiness. But what stayed with me was this: she wanted to speak during her riyaaz to lock the correct scale. It was a moment of clarity. Here was Asha Bhosle – who needed to prove nothing – yet remained so committed to her craft. It was both humbling and deeply inspiring –Jeet GannguliThough I have not had the honour of working with Asha ji, I did come close to the opportunity once. However, I have had the pleasure of interacting with her and even visiting her home. She has always been open to working of different kinds of projects – she is an artiste of unparalleled talent and aura –Bickram GhoshAshaji was the very embodiment of melody and culture in our lives – a rare celestial presence the cosmos blesses us with only once in a while.
Even as we knew her health was fading, the heart resists accepting such a loss. And yet, to say she is gone feels untrue. Artists of her stature don’t depart – they transcend, living on through a legacy that remains incandescent. Her music will echo across generations, each discovering her magic anew.
It was my immeasurable privilege to have her iconic voice grace my on-screen personas – a debt I can never repay. Her passing leaves a profound void, but what she gave us is unparalleled. A true entertainer in every sense – the last word in entertainment. I choose to believe her melodies still flow wherever she is. Today, I bow in reverence, wondering how long before the world sees another like her – Rituparna SenguptaAsha ji’s demise is one of the greatest losses for the fraternity. Her music has been a source of joy and inspiration for so many generations. She is one of the few popular musicians who had such a strong understanding and knowledge of Indian classical music, because of her family, and father. She was a student of Ali Akbar Khan, and has worked with him as well. She lived a full life, and I hope she is always remembered for her spirit and huge contributions to music –Tanmoy Bose
