Legendary singer Asha Bhosle was cremated with full state honours on Monday at Shivaji Park Crematorium, as a sea of mourners gathered to bid farewell to the iconic voice that defined generations for over eight decades.Wrapped in the tricolour, Asha Bhosle—fondly known as Asha Tai—was accorded a ceremonial gun salute by the Mumbai Police before her mortal remains were consigned to flames. Her last rites were performed by her son Anand, amid chants, prayers and a deeply emotional atmosphere.
Earlier in the day, her mortal remains were kept at her residence in Lower Parel for public homage. Long queues of admirers were seen outside, with fans folding hands, offering flowers and remembering the singer through tears.
Film fraternity, political leaders turn up in large numbers
Several prominent faces from the film industry paid floral tributes at the crematorium, including Aamir Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Vivek Oberoi, Padmini Kolhapure and Jackie Shroff. Actors Ranveer Singh and Riteish Deshmukh had earlier visited her residence to offer condolences.Veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and director Ramesh Sippy were also among those who came to pay their respects, alongside singers Shaan and Anup Jalota.From the political sphere, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Uddhav Thackeray were present. Leaders including Supriya Sule and Aaditya Thackeray also paid their respects.Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and state minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha were among other dignitaries in attendance.
A musical farewell and personal memories
In a poignant tribute, singers Shaan and Sudesh Bhosale offered a musical homage minutes before the final rites.Veteran actress Helen paid her last respects, while Poonam Dhillon was seen breaking down as she consoled the grieving family. Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle also grew emotional while interacting with visitors.Composer Uttam Singh remembered her as a warm and generous human being. Recalling a late-night recording session, he shared, “It was around 1:30 at night. As we were about to leave, she asked us to wait, went inside, cooked chicken and rice herself, and insisted we eat before leaving. She was that kind of person.”
A legacy that will echo forever
One of the most influential voices in Indian music, Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday after being admitted to Breach Candy Hospital a day earlier. The news was confirmed by Maharashtra’s culture minister Ashish Shelar.Over a career spanning decades, she received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
