Asha Bhosle, who recorded 11,000 songs, dies at 92; her life in pictures

Asha Bhosle, one of Indian film music’s last living legends, passed away at 92 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday. With a career spanning over 70 years, she won hearts across generations in India and worldwide with her iconic voice.

The legendary singer will be cremated at Shivaji Park on Monday, April 13 at 4pm with full state honours. The ceremony is expected to draw fans, admirers and members of the film and music fraternity paying their last respects.

Asha Bhosle was admitted to hospital on Saturday after suffering cardiac and respiratory ailments, which eventually led to multi-organ failure. Despite medical efforts, the veteran singer passed away the following day.

Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at just 10 with ‘Chala Chala Nav Bala’ for the film ‘Majha Bal’ (1943), marking the start of a remarkable career in playback singing.

Asha Bhosle was the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, and together they defined an era of Indian film music, shaping generations of melodies with their distinct yet equally iconic voices.

Her early Hindi film songs came in 1948, including ‘Saawan Aaya’ from ‘Chunariya’. She recorded her first solo Hindi song for ‘Raat Ki Rani’ (1949), gradually carving a space for herself in the industry.

Asha Bhosle and her sister Lata Mangeshkar became defining voices of Indian cinema, their songs shaping decades of film music and leaving an enduring legacy across generations.

Her collaboration with R. D. Burman flourished with ‘Teesri Manzil’ (1966). The duo, who later married, created timeless music together, blending innovation with melody across films and albums.

In 2011, the Guinness World Records recognised Asha Bhosle as the most recorded artist in music history, with 11,000 songs including solos, duets and chorus numbers in multiple languages to her credit.

She won her first National Award for ‘Dil cheez kya hai’ in ‘Umrao Jaan’ (1981) and another for ‘Mera kuchh saamaan’ in ‘Ijaazat’ (1986), reinforcing her versatility and mastery across genres.

Asha Bhosle’s breakthrough came with ‘Naya Daur’ (1957). Her collaborations produced several hits, ending with ‘Chain se humko kabhi’ (1974), which won her a Filmfare Award.

Asha Bhosle collaborated internationally with artists like Boy George and Nelly Furtado. In 1997, she became the first Indian singer nominated for a Grammy, gaining global acclaim.