Crowds Pay Tribute to Legendary Singer Asha Bhosle Ahead of Funeral

Mon Apr 13 2026 11:02:32 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mourning fans and celebrities gather to honor the legacy of iconic Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away at 92. Tributes pour in from across the nation as preparations are made for her last rites.

Asha Bhosle, the celebrated Indian singer who shaped Bollywood music, has died at the age of 92. Mourners have gathered in large numbers outside her home in Mumbai to pay final respects. Political leaders and prominent figures from various fields have expressed their grief and admiration for her work, marking a significant loss to the music world.

Tributes are continuing to be paid to India's legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who has died at the age of 92.

The two-time Grammy nominee, whose career spanned nearly eight decades and thousands of recordings, died in Mumbai after being admitted to hospital following a heart attack.

Her last rites will take place on Monday evening at Shivaji Park in Mumbai city, with full state honours.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from across India and beyond, with political leaders, musicians, actors and fans remembering her as one of the defining voices of Indian cinema.

Since Sunday evening, crowds have been gathering outside Bhosle's home in Mumbai, to pay their last respects to the singer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted Bhosle was one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known, while President Draupadi Murmu commented that her death was an irreparable loss to music lovers.

Leading figures from the film industry and sports, including Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar, have also paid tribute, highlighting her influence across generations.

Khan reflected on Bhosle, stating, a talent that will outlive many, adding that her voice has been one of the pillars of Indian cinema. Tendulkar, who knew her personally, remarked that Asha Tai was family and that through her music, she will remain timeless.

A passionate cricket fan, Bhosle was also honored during an Indian Premier League match on Sunday, where players wore black armbands and observed a minute's silence.

Composer AR Rahman stated, she lives forever through her voice and aura - what an artist, while singer Shreya Ghosal recounted listening to her and learning from her versatility.

Born in 1933, Bhosle began singing in childhood, influenced by her family's musical background. Throughout her illustrious career, she carved her own identity, often compared to her elder sister, the late Lata Mangeshkar. Bhosle's collaborations with renowned composers like OP Nayyar and RD Burman significantly shaped her legacy.

In her later years, she continued to innovate, even collaborating with the British virtual band Gorillaz on their 2026 album, contributing a song reflecting on death and the afterlife.

Away from music, she was celebrated for her culinary skills and was the driving force behind the Asha's restaurant chain.