Veteran singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at the age of 92, leaving the nation in mourning. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid an emotional tribute, stating that the “beautiful garden of melodies has turned barren today.” Her last rites will be performed with full state honours at Shivaji Park on Monday at 4 PM. The legendary singer was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday, April 11, 2026. While early reports suggested cardiac arrest, her family later clarified that she was suffering from a chest infection and extreme exhaustion. Her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, shared a health update on social media and requested privacy for the grieving family.
Taking to X, CM Fadnavis posted a picture with Asha Bhosle and wrote, "The news of the passing of veteran singer Ashatai Bhosle, Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee, who had celebrated her 90th birthday with great fanfare just three years ago, is extremely heartbreaking. With her demise, another star has fallen from the Mangeshkar lineage after Lata Didi. The beautiful garden of melodies has turned barren today. Ashatai’s voice was the soul of music. Ashatai was the eternal verdant season in singing and an oceanic expanse of melodious emotions. From soulful songs like ‘Tora Man Darpan Kahlaaye’ to tracks like ‘Khallas,’ she effortlessly sang songs across countless moods, imprinting her unique mark on genres ranging from devotional songs, emotional melodies, theatrical music, ghazals, classical music, Rabindra Sangeet, folk songs, to pop. Singing over 12,000 songs in Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, along with 20 Indian languages and foreign tongues, she was also conferred awards like the ‘Bangla Vibhushan’ akin to the ‘Maharashtra Bhushan.’ Such a multifaceted singer, who so effortlessly embraced change, will not come again. Just recently, at a World Radio Day event where we were together, she insisted I sing ‘Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar…’ for her, and had even quipped, ‘Look, I got the Chief Minister to sing for me.’ The very thought that we will no longer have Ashatai’s company is unbearable. I offer my heartfelt tribute to her. We share in the grief of her family and the countless fans across the country."
Also Read: Asha Bhosle Passes Away: Legendary Singer Dies At 92 In Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital
Asha Bhosle rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s through her collaborations with celebrated composers O. P. Nayyar and R. D. Burman, with her bold and expressive voice becoming the preferred choice for many leading actresses. She delivered timeless hits like Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maro Dum, Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, and In Aankhon Ki Masti, showcasing remarkable versatility and emotional depth that resonated across generations. Over the years, she lent her voice to iconic films such as Teesri Manzil, Umrao Jaan, Caravan, and Rangeela, significantly contributing to their success and cultural legacy. Honoured with numerous national and international accolades, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, she remains a timeless symbol of musical excellence, with her songs continuing to captivate listeners even today.