The world has lost a rare jewel: Runa Laila on Asha Bhosle
Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away today (April 12) at the age of 92. She had been admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday evening due to exhaustion and a chest infection, and died following multi-organ failure after a cardiac arrest. Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the news, saying that those who wish to pay their last respects may visit her residence at 11 am on Monday (April 13) at Casa Grande, Lower Parel. The last rites will be performed at 4 pm at Shivaji Park.
Asha Bhosle was one of the most successful, popular, and prolific singers of Indian cinema. Born in 1933 in the musical Mangeshkar family, she began singing professionally at the age of 9. Over the course of her extraordinary career, she received several prestigious honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan.
The news sent shockwaves across the subcontinent, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the world of music, including from Bangladesh’s legendary vocalist, Runa Laila.
In an emotional tribute, Runa Laila recalled her deep bond with the iconic singer, describing her loss in words that echoed the grief of millions. She said, “I am completely devastated. The world has lost a rare jewel, irreplaceable and unsurpassable. I learnt so much from her. As a child I would listen to Asha Didi’s songs and try to copy the superfine and finely honed intricacies in her unmatched voice.
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Whilst judging the reality show Sur Kshetra we became very close. We laughed and joked and gossiped so much that after a few episodes the producer placed us far apart so that we couldn’t communicate easily. But Asha Didi insisted that I be seated in the chair next to her and of course you can’t say No to her.
She would cook Biryani and Prawns for me and bring them to the shoot for me. We became good friends and loved and respected each other. I always insisted that she call me by my name instead of Runaji and Aap. But she said I respect you as a human being and as a great artiste therefore I will call you as I do now.
Didi I will miss our long conversations on the phone, endless gossip and hearing your voice again saying Runaji Aap kaisi hain (Runa ji, how are you)???
May you rest in eternal peace.”
With Asha Bhosle’s death, one of the few remaining links to the Golden Age of Hindi film music has been lost. Apart from Hindi, she sang in over 20 Indian and foreign languages, and by her own account had recorded over 12,000 songs in her career.
She leaves behind a legacy that transcends borders, generations and languages — a voice that was not merely heard, but felt. For countless listeners across South Asia, Asha Bhosle was not just a singer, she was the soundtrack of their lives.
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