Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik honoured the late legendary singer Asha Bhosle with a heartfelt tribute at Puri Beach on Sunday, following her death on the same day.
The tribute took the form of a 20-feet-long Veena sand art installation, created as a symbol of devotion, music and respect for the singer.
The sand sculpture featured the message, “Tribute to Asha Tai, Your voice will live in our hearts forever.” Students from Pattnaik’s sand art institution participated in crafting the installation, adding significance to the homage.
Reflecting on the moment, Pattnaik said, “We have grown up listening to Asha Ji’s songs–her voice will live in our hearts forever,” expressing the sentiments of millions of admirers.
A Padma awardee, Sudarsan Pattnaik has represented India at more than 65 international sand sculpture championships and festivals worldwide, receiving numerous accolades. His work often raises awareness of global challenges such as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, climate change, anti-terrorism, plastic pollution, and environmental conservation.
Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday at Breach Candy Hospital due to multi-organ failure, aged 92. Her death signals the loss of not only a singer but an era, a distinctive soundscape, and a deep emotional archive within Indian music.
Her voice, characterised as simultaneously playful and profound, sensuous and spiritual, resonated across generations, languages, and continents. Her legacy will endure through vinyl records, streaming playlists, and the memories of her audience.
She is survived by her son Anand Bhosle and several grandchildren.