Veteran actor and dancer Kalpana Iyer, who worked with Asha Tai in several tracks including Jab Chhaye Mera Jadoo, shares, “She was one of the nicest and warmest people in the industry. After the song Jab Chaaye, she called me to her home one day and cooked for me personally. I was left awestruck by the way she served me with such warmth. It was a beautiful silver thali with the best Maharashtrian food, all freshly prepared. Asha ji knew my mother was a big fan and that they were very close; whenever they met, she would sing my mother’s favorite song, Aao Huzoor. That smiling face is gone…”

Singer and composer Leslee Lewis, who collaborated with the Playback Queen on iconic tracks such as Raat Shabnami and Jaanam Samjha Karo, says, “Today, the world feels quieter in a way words cannot explain. Asha Bhosle ji was not just a voice, she was the spirit of Indian music itself. There was a fearlessness in her singing, a freedom that allowed her to cross every boundary and still remain timeless. For all of us who create music, she was the benchmark we aspired to, often without even realising it. She could take a simple composition and turn it into something unforgettable, something that stayed with you long after the song ended. What I will always remember is her energy. She never sounded dated, never sounded tired. She sounded alive… always. That is something very few artists can achieve. Today, we mourn her loss, but her voice will never leave us. It will continue to play in our homes, in our hearts, in every note we create. Legends like Asha ji don’t go away… they become the soundtrack of our lives forever.”

Filmmaker and fashion designer Muzaffar Ali shares, “Umrao Jaan has lost its entire voice—Shahryar, Khayyam and now Asha ji. I remember, when she sang the song—in one scale lower—she said there is some magic in it. And after she won the National Award as a singer, she thanked me for making her a part of this magical project. We recorded five songs with Asha ji with the same team—Khayyam and Shahryar. They are amazing songs, and we recorded them in the late ’80s and have not given them to anyone. Now that my son (Shaad Ali) is reviving the project, we will use the songs. In fact, I have also recorded songs for a film which could not be made, and the production house must be having those songs. After that, I went to her home some three-four years back, and she served us amazing kebabs. Every moment spent with her is a golden memory for me. It’s a big loss for the industry and a major personal loss.”

Shocked by the demise of Asha Bhosle, filmmaker Muzaffar Ali—who made the award-winning film Umrao Jaan (1981), which won several National Awards including Best Playback Singer for Asha Bhosle for Dil Cheez Kya Hai — says, “Umrao Jaan has lost its entire voice — first Shahryar, then Khayyam and now Asha ji.”

The filmmaker says, “I remember, when she sang the song — in one scale lower — she said there is some magic in it. And after she won the National Award as a singer, she sent a letter to thank me for making her a part of this magical project.”

He remembers how she transported herself in the song that was set in a particular era. “The way she understood the song, its premises, the era, was truly magical. She got into the skin of the character (played by actor Rekha). Apni awaaz se ek sur neeche gaana asaan nahi hai, woh bhi is level ka! Her soulful voice took the film to another level,” he says.

She sang five songs in the film including Dil Cheez Kya Hai, In Ankhon Ki Masti Ke, Jab Bhi Milti Hai, Justuju Jiski Thi and Yeh Kya Jagah Hai Doston.

“We recorded five songs with Asha ji with the same team — Khayyam and Shahryar. They are amazing songs, and we recorded them in the late ’80s and have not given them to anyone. Now that my son Shaad Ali (filmmaker) is reviving the project, we will use the songs,” he says.

The filmmaker remembers meeting her for these songs. “She had forgotten it. When she heard the songs, she literally had tears in her eyes. I want them (songs) to come out in Zuni and listeners get to hear them after nearly four decades of recording,” he says.

Ali further adds, “In fact, I have also recorded songs for a film Daaman but we had some differences with the production house and the project fell apart. The production house, HMV, must be having those songs.”

Trigger warning: This article contains pictures that are sensitive and can be triggering, reader discretion is advised.

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday, April 12 at Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai. Her son Anand Bhosle told the media present outside the hospital, “Meri mataji Shrimati Asha Bhosle inka aaj nidhan ho chuka hai. Woh Jahan rehti thi, Casa grand lower parel 11am, wahan unke antim darshan honge, wahan aaiye aur kal dopahar ko 4 baje Shivaji park unka antim sanskar hoga (She passed away today. Those who wish to pay their last respects can visit her residence tomorrow at 11 am. The last rites will be performed tomorrow at 4 pm at Shivaji Park).” Her mortal remains are now brought to her residence in Lower Parel and celebrities have already begun to visit. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis was the first to reach her house. Office of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra shared some pictures on X where one can see the mortal remains of the singer. The tweet read, “Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid his last respects to veteran singer, Padma Vibhushan, and Maharashtra Bhushan Asha Bhosle at her residence in Mumbai and offered heartfelt tributes to her.“

Meanwhile, Vidya Balan, Urmila Matondkar were spotted arriving at Asha Bhosle’s house.

Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar was also spotted arriving at Bhosle’s house.

Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi mourned her demise. He shared pictures with her and wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the passing of Asha Bhosle Ji, one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known. Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world. Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance. I’ll always cherish the interactions I’ve had with her.”Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra among others also offered condolences and paid tribute to her.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.