It is telling how in death, it is not the superstar achievements, or awards and titles, that stand out but the little moments of kindness and humanity that one leaves behind.
In June 2024, the Dinanath Mangeshkar Natyagruha, in Vile Parle East, played host to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat releasing a book called Swarswamini Asha on the late singer Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan Asha Bhosle. The Marathi book was a collection of pieces by 90 writers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Uddhav Thackeray, Kiran Shantaram, Ameen Sayani, Sushilkumar Shinde, and Anuradha Paudwal, complemented by photographs capturing Asha Bhosle’s essence.
2024
Year ‘Swarswamini Asha’ was launched
‘She’d cart me around’
At the event, the most moving address came from Asha Bhosle’s brother, music director Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, who was on the dais and detailed one of those sacrifices. He recalled not her songs or her huge roster of achievements. The sibling recalled a childhood together. He said, “She [Asha Bhosle] was eight years old; I was a little child then. She would cart me around on her hip. I am so indebted to her… she has cared for me just like a mother, or even more so…” he said as ‘Ashatai’s’ tears flowed on the dais. Today, we have no doubt that her brother has many more memories of a mother like no other.
Humour ’n’ melody
Asha Bhosle made her audience laugh on the occasion as she recalled visiting hugely successful, talented make-up artist Mickey Contractor on one occasion. It was the first time that she was putting on make-up. She said, “In the middle of the session, I said, ‘What is all this? Remove the makeup’. Contractor said: ‘Wait till it is done’. He did something to my hair, too. Then he gave me a mirror. I asked: Who is this in the mirror? I looked so beautiful, I could not recognise myself.”
Tweets
Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis @Dev_Fadnavis
I am stunned by the news of the passing of Ashatai Bhosle. Today is an extremely sorrowful moment for music lovers across the world. As a versatile artiste, Ashatai left an indelible mark in every genre from classical to pop and rock, and by singing over 12,000 songs in over 20 languages, she elevated music to new heights. Her departure from our midst is an irreparable loss.
The melody has fallen silent, but its echo will remain immortal in our memories…
Deeply saddened by the demise of legendary singer and one of the foremost voices of Indian Music, Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan Ashatai Bhosle.
She was one of the versatile voices that… pic.twitter.com/PXKnWOEf33
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 12, 2026
Deputy CM: Eknath Shinde @mieknathshinde
A divine voice that drenched the hearts of the past four generations, and that brought joy to countless souls has fallen silent. Not a single day has dawned in the past many decades where Ashatai’s voice hasn’t graced our ears. It is hard to digest the realisation that Ashatai is no longer with us.
Mayor: Ritu Tawde @TawdeRitu
The news is utterly heartbreaking. In an era when it was difficult for women to step outside the home and carve out their identity, Ashatai made her mark on the global stage. For over six decades, she enchanted the entire nation with her melodious and soulful singing. Today, her departure has created a profound void in the Indian music world.
