The death of Asha Bhosle on Sunday morning has left the music fraternity deeply mournful, marking the conclusion of an era that defined Indian playback singing.
Tributes have been pouring in from across the industry.
Music director Shamir Tandon reflected on his privilege of working with the legendary singer, describing her as a mother figure in his life. Speaking about his experiences, Tandon said, “My journey with Aai started in 2003 when she sang a song of mine for the film ‘Page 3,’ which was a National Award-winning film.”
He recounted Asha Bhosle’s advice to remain technology-forward, a lesson she learned from the iconic RD Burman. Tandon also revealed details about his collaboration with her on one of her last Hindi songs, written by his friend Prasoon Joshi. He explained, “One of her last songs in Hindi has been done by me, which is written by my dear friend Prasoon Joshi. Usko bol hai ‘Jaane Do, Jaane Do, Khud Se Milna Hai, Jaane Do’. Isse who bahut relate karti thi. Woh kehti thi ki ab bass bahut ho gaya, ab mujhe bahut ache tarike se chale jana hai. Khud se milna jana hai… (The lyrics of the song were like ‘Jaane Do, Jaane Do, Khud Se Milna Hai, Jaane Do’. She would relate to the song and used to say that she now wishes to go away peacefully and find herself again).”
Sharing insights into their close bond, Tandon said, “Asha Tai has always been like a mother to me. The world used to call her ‘Tai’, but I used to call her ‘Aai’. In Marathi, ‘Aai’ means mother. Whenever I went to her house, I used to talk to her for hours. This loss is not just of India or our Indian film industry. It is a loss to the world because she was very unique in her own way. She taught the whole world that innovation is very important in music.”
Asha Bhosle passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where she was admitted due to extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. She will be cremated with full state honours on Monday.