Bollywood playback legend Asha Bhosle died on Sunday following a prolonged illness at the age of 92. Her passing drew immediate condolences from across the country and beyond, including tributes from several high-profile names in cricket.
From the world of sport, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli were among the first to express their grief. Tendulkar, who has often spoken about his love for classic Hindi melodies, reacted quickly to the news, highlighting the personal connection he shared with the singer.
It is understood that Tendulkar was especially close to Asha Bhosle—fondly called “Asha Tai”—as well as to her sister Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away in 2022 after a long illness. Over the years, Tendulkar was seen on multiple occasions with both legendary voices of Indian cinema and music. Taking to his X account, he wrote: “A deeply sad day for India, and for music lovers across the world. For us, Asha Tai was family. Today, words feel too small for the loss we feel.”
He added: “One moment, the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the countless melodies she gifted all of us. It feels as though time itself has paused. Yet through her eternal songs, she will remain timeless forever.” Tendulkar concluded with: “Thank you, Tai, for filling our lives with warmth, grace, and unforgettable music. We will miss you beyond words, Asha Tai.”
Kohli also joined the mourning, posting a tribute to one of the sub-continent’s most celebrated singers. The Indian batter, who continues to represent the country in ODIs, shared a message that read: “Rest in peace, Asha Bhosle ji. Your voice touched millions and will live on forever in our hearts. Om Shanti.”
Bhosle’s legacy in music is vast. Over a long and storied career, she recorded more than 12,000 songs across upwards of 20 Indian and foreign languages, earning her a place among the most prolific artists in the history of recorded music.
Life and musical milestones
- Asha Bhosle was born in 1933 in Maharashtra into a musical family.
- Her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, was a well-known musician.
- She was nine when her father died.
- After his death, the sisters began working soon after and, over time, became major icons in the Hindi film industry.
- In 2011, Guinness World Records recognised her as the most recorded artist in music history.
- For her contribution to music, she received major honours including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2008).
- Health concerns had led her to stop professional singing some time ago, and in recent years she was often seen as a guest on reality musical television programmes.
As tributes continue to pour in, Bhosle’s voice—spanning generations and languages—remains the defining thread of a career that left an enduring imprint on Indian music and popular culture.
