Kamal Ghorui
As tributes continue to pour in for legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12, global artist Damon Albarn has joined voices across the world in remembering the icon whose music transcended generations and borders.Asha Bhosle, whose voice defined Indian cinema for over eight decades, died at the age of 92. Her last rites were held with state honours on Monday at Shivaji Park, where several stars from cinema, music and sport gathered to pay their final respects.
‘I was entranced by her grace and poise’
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Damon Albarn shared a heartfelt note along with a series of old photographs, believed to have been taken at the singer’s Mumbai residence. The Gorillaz frontman reflected on his long-standing admiration for Asha Bhosle and the rare opportunity to meet her.“Asha Bhosle was someone I had admired from afar for many years, her voice was my gateway to the marvellous world of Bollywood. I met her twice in Mumbai and was entranced by her grace and poise at the age of 91,” he wrote.
A memory that will last forever
Albarn also recalled a deeply personal moment that stayed with him—one that captured the magic of her artistry up close.“The memory of sitting cross-legged playing R. D. Burman’s harmonium while she sang will stay with me forever. I send my deepest condolences to her lovely family. Asha, you had the voice of an angel, we love you,” he added. Soon after the post went live, fans flooded the comments section with messages of admiration and grief. Many described it as a beautiful tribute, while others remembered Asha Bhosle as one of the greatest voices in music history.
A legacy beyond borders
Asha Bhosle’s influence extended far beyond Hindi film music. Over the decades, she collaborated across genres and generations, constantly reinventing herself. In one of her most unexpected late-career collaborations, she worked with Gorillaz, blending her timeless voice with the band’s experimental sound on their 2026 album The Mountain.
