CM Fadnavis said it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Asha Bhosle, a Padma Vibhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee, who celebrated her 90th birthday with great enthusiasm just three years ago.
“With her death, another bright star from the Mangeshkar family has faded behind Lata Mangeshkar. The beautiful garden of melodies feels deserted today,” he said.
Describing Bhosle’s voice as the “soul of music”, Fadnavis said that “from the soul “Tora Man Darpan Kehlaye” to the energetic ‘Khallas‘, she rendered songs in all moods and genres with effortless grace.”
“Be it devotional music, bhavgeet, natya sangeet, ghazal, classical, Rabindra Sangeet, folk or pop, she left an indelible mark in every form she touched,” he noted.
Bhosle had sung over 12,000 songs in more than 20 Indian and foreign languages, winning accolades including the Maharashtra Bhushan Award and the Banga Bibhushan Award, Fadnavis said.
“An artist who perfectly adapted to the changing times, she was truly special. Singers like her are irreplaceable,” he said.
“My heartfelt condolences to Asha Tai. We share the pain of her family and millions of admirers across the country,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the divine voice that enthralled generations has fallen silent.
“The sad demise of ‘Ganasamrajni’ Asha Bhosle has silenced a divine voice that bathed four generations in the heyday of music and took countless hearts on a journey to a magical world,” Shinde said in a statement.
“Not a day went by or ended in the last few decades without her voice being heard. Her songs filled countless moments with joy and colored life with happiness. It is difficult to accept that Asha Tai is no longer with us physically, but her voice will remain with us forever, as it is eternal,” he said.
Recalling the personal interactions, Shinde said, “I had the good fortune to meet Asha Tai on several occasions and those memorable moments will remain etched in my memory forever.” Praying for her soul, Shinde added.
“We pray to God for eternal peace in her soul. The entire Shiv Sena family stands by her family members and countless admirers in this moment of grief.”
Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said Asha Bhosle’s death has ended a golden era in music and the “empress of melodies” has gone down in history.
