Kamal Ghorui
The last of Indian film music’s living legends, Asha Bhosle, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday at the age of 92. With a career spanning over seven decades, she won hearts across India and globally. She was hospitalised a day earlier due to cardiac and respiratory complications that led to multi-organ failure. Her final rites will be held at Shivaji Park with full state honours. Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli to Deenanath Mangeshkar, she began singing young, debuting with ‘Chala Chala Nav Bala’ from ‘Majha Bal’ in 1943.
Asha Bhosle’s legacy rooted in music
Born into the illustrious family of Deenanath Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle’s early years were deeply influenced by music. However, her father’s untimely demise placed immense responsibility on the young siblings, pushing them to pursue singing professionally from a very early age, setting the foundation for an extraordinary yet challenging career.
Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar : Siblings who shaped an era
Asha Bhosle grew up alongside some of the most celebrated names in Indian music, including Lata Mangeshkar. Her family also included siblings Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Khadikar, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. Despite being surrounded by such towering talent, carving her own identity required resilience, determination, and a willingness to experiment beyond conventional boundaries.Asha Bhosle’s personal life saw its share of ups and downs. She married Ganpatrao Bhosle at a young age, but the relationship eventually ended. Later, her marriage to legendary composer R. D. Burman became a defining chapter, both personally and professionally. Together, they created several iconic songs, leaving an everlasting impact on Hindi cinema’s musical landscape.
Asha Bhosle’s family and legacy
A devoted mother, Asha Bhosle raised her three children, Hemant, Anand, and Varsha, largely on her own after separating from her first husband. Life dealt her painful blows with the loss of her son Hemant in 2015 and daughter Varsha in 2012. Today, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle carries forward the family’s artistic legacy, reflecting the enduring influence of a musical dynasty.
