From the India Today archives (1994) | Lata Mangeshkar: The facts behind the voice
On Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary, a look at a biography packed with facts about the singer but short on the woman behind the legend
Asha Bhosle, born September 8, 1933, is considered one of India's greatest singers, and an icon from Bollywood's golden era of music of the fiftes, sixties and the seventies, along with her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh and Manna Dey. She is renowned for her soprano voice and versatility, with a mastery that ranges from film and pop music to classical music, bhajans, ghazals, folk, qawwali and Rabindra Sangeet. In her lifetime, Bhosle has recorded in over 20 Indian and foreign languages. In 2006, she said that she had recorded over 12,000 songs in her career.
Bhosle was honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in the field of cinema, in 2000, in recognition of her contribution to Indian music, and Padma Vibhushan Award in 2008. She won two National Film Awards as Best Female Playback Singer, for Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan) in 1981 and Mera Kuch Samaan (Ijaazat) in 1987, besides numerous popular awards.
Bhosle died on April 12, 2026, in Mumbai. She was 92.
On Lata Mangeshkar’s birth anniversary, a look at a biography packed with facts about the singer but short on the woman behind the legend
Asha Bhosle’s final feature-film song, Ae Meri Zindagi, has been released on her 93rd birth anniversary. Recorded in 2023, the song features in Harish Vyas’ Om Ka Hari, which releases on September 18.
AR Rahman is set to unveil Asha Forever, a tribute song recorded with Asha Bhosle before her death. The AI-created tribute will feature virtual recreations of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and other stars.
September 8 is the late Asha Bhosle’s birth anniversary. A tribute to her epic musical career
AR Rahman has announced that Shah Rukh Khan will feature in Asha Bhosle’s tribute music video. The collaboration adds star power to a project that began while the late singer was still involved.
Composer AR Rahman released a teaser of a special tribute song featuring the late Asha Bhosle on World Music Day. Recorded before her death in April 2026, the track is among the final recordings of the legendary singer's illustrious career.
Usha Mangeshkar spoke about the shock of losing sisters Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle. She said the silence at home has deepened her grief and loneliness.
Asha Bhosle’s grandson Chintu Bhosle remembered her playful nature at home and said her curiosity about AI, fearless attitude, and love for the arts stayed strong till her final years.
Zeenat Aman honoured Asha Bhosle's legacy by dedicating an emotional note to the late singer. The veteran actor revealed that the iconic song was not originally meant to be sung by Bhosle.
Asha Bhosle's ashes were immersed in Varanasi as per her last wishes. Her granddaughter Zanai got emotional during the rituals.
Asha Bhosle’s ghazals stirred an eternal autumn of yearning; her nightclub/ cabaret songs ignited an aural euphoria like no other
Zanai Bhosle shared an emotional post remembering her grandmother Asha Bhosle, who died on April 12 due to multiple organ failure.
Singer Asha Bhosle has reflected on life with honesty and emotional depth through her words. Her thoughts have captured how pain and beauty can coexist in a person’s journey.
Asha Bhosle didn't just sing for her time, she built the vibes we live by. Her rebellious spirit lives on, not in museums but in new-gen playlists.
Asha Bhosle's CPR has raised questions about dignity in death.
Late singers Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar's brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar announced plans to build Asia’s largest hospital. The state-of-the-art facility will be a lasting tribute to the legendary sisters’ legacy.
Farhan Akhtar paid heartfelt tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle during a college fest. The actor-singer noted her as "India's No. 1 Senorita", celebrating her timeless influence on Indian music and generations of listeners.
Artemis 2 has returned; otherwise, I would surely have asked which song in Asha Bhosle’s voice is heard beyond the Earth
A tribute to Asha Bhosle triggered regulatory action in Pakistan, with the government citing a ban on Indian content on television. Yet Indian songs continue to trend on streaming platforms like Spotify, exposing a paradox between broadcast restrictions and digital access.
Asha Bhosle’s contribution to Indian music is immeasurable. The legend, who died on April 12, is best known for her iconic tracks in Bollywood. However, she also delivered unforgettable hits in South Indian cinema.
The military manoeuvre aims to restrict maritime movement and cut off revenue streams, threatening global energy supplies and vital oil shipments to Asian markets, including India.
Tabu was seen consoling Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter Zanai during the last rites, offering support in an emotional moment.
Veteran singer Asha Bhosle, in a conversation with Rajdeep Sardesai, talked about giving hit songs with her husband and singer RD Burman. Watch the video to find out what is the secret of the success of Asha Bhosle and RD Burman, the real and reel hit couple that rocked the music industry in the 70s and 80s.