Asha Bhosle, one of the most prolific playback singers in the Indian film industry, has died aged 92.
Bhosle was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday. Her son, Anand, announced her death on Sunday.
Born on September 8, 1933, Bhosle was one of three sisters – the eldest, Lata Mangeshkar, was nicknamed “the nightingale of India” by former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
All three enjoyed a career in singing. For more than six decades, the sisters provided some of the most prominent voices in the Hindi film industry, collaborating with famous composers such as OP Nayyar and RD Burman. Bhosle married Burman after her first marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle, with whom she had three children, ran into difficulties and ended.
Starting her career at the age of 10, Bhosle recorded thousands of songs in at least 20 languages. As well as her body of work in the Hindi film industry, she was renowned for her versatility – shining across genres such as cabaret and ghazals, and singing soulful romantic songs and peppy dance numbers. She also collaborated with international artists, such as Boy George, Kronos Quartet and Gorillaz.
The singer was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s 2008 Padma Vibhushan and several National Film Awards.
Bhosle also inspired Asha’s – a chain of fine-dining Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The singer’s portraits are displayed in the restaurants, where dishes are made using her family’s recipes.
