Former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee marked the death of legendary Indian vocalist Asha Bhosle with an emotional tribute on Monday. Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on April 12 at the age of 92, and Lee described the experience of working with her as something he would always carry.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lee looked back on their collaboration, highlighting the lasting impact of her artistry. He said her contribution would “live on for generations to come,” adding that what stood out to him went well beyond her immense talent—he remembered her kindness and humility.
Quick facts
- Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on April 12, aged 92.
- Brett Lee posted his tribute on Instagram on Monday.
- Lee and Bhosle worked together on the track “You’re the One for Me” in 2007.
- The pair reunited later at the Sydney Opera House, where Bhosle presented Lee with a signed album.
- During an IPL 2026 match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru players wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed.
Lee said he had the chance to write and record “You’re the One for Me” with Bhosle in 2006, recalling that the memory of her character stayed with him most. He stressed that despite the heights she reached throughout her career, she remained warm, generous, and grounded.
He also shared his condolences, writing that his thoughts were with her family and friends. Lee added that he felt fortunate to have shared even a small moment with someone so special, and he reiterated his belief that her legacy would continue for future generations.
From cricket to music: the rare crossover
Lee and Bhosle’s collaboration stood out as a rare crossover between global sport and Indian music. Their collaboration on “You’re the One for Me” in 2007 came after Lee was invited to join a worldwide music initiative during the ICC Champions Trophy.
After recording the song, the two met again at the Sydney Opera House. During that reunion, Bhosle gifted Lee a signed album, a gesture Lee later described as memorable.
Following her death, tributes also flowed from across the sporting world. During the weekend, players from the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru wore black armbands in her honour on Sunday, ahead of the IPL 2026 fixture.
A one-minute silence was observed at Wankhede Stadium before the match began. The gesture underscored the reach of Bhosle’s influence, with cricketing figures joining the wider chorus of remembrance.
Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli also penned tributes on social media, describing Bhosle’s passing as a major loss for the global music community. The last rites were held on Monday afternoon in Mumbai, where Tendulkar arrived with his family to pay respects.
Bhosle was widely regarded as one of the defining voices of Hindi cinema’s golden era. She is commonly placed alongside Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Lata Mangeshkar, and in 2011 the Guinness World Records recognised her as the most recorded artist in music history.
Her career was marked by major awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2008). She had stopped professional singing several years earlier due to health concerns, and in later years she was mainly seen as a guest on reality music television programmes.
