'Ashadidi always said it like it was, never minced words. She was not afraid of the truth.'
Asha Bhosle, the iconic Indian playback singer known for her unparalleled versatility and a career spanning over eight decades, has passed away at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure.
The last Mughal has passed away into ages on April 12, leaving a huge void in all our lives.
The voice of one of India's greatest playback singers may have fallen silent, but her music is anything but gone. It lives on in the airwaves, in our memories, in moments we return to without even realising.
It is impossible to discuss Asha Bhosle without mentioning the word 'versatility', notes Dinesh Raheja.
Words can barely capture the depth and beauty of Asha Bhosle's voice, at once ethereal and ineffable. Her demise has created a void but the songs she sang will never die.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Asha Bhosle, honouring her as an unparalleled versatile artist whose passing marks a significant loss for Indian and global music.
Snapshots from Asha Bhosle's life.
'Today, if 50 songs are composed, one or two work. In the 1970s, all 50 would work.'
From sultry cabaret numbers to soul-stirring ghazals, Asha Bhosle crafted a sonic universe where boldness met beauty and mischief mingled with melancholy. Her voice didn't just soundtrack cinema, it liberated expression, challenged norms and gave generations permission to feel, flirt, ache and celebrate without restraint. Sukanya Verma salutes the legend.
Asha Bhosle's only daughter Varsha Bhosle, who died in 2012, had penned this beautiful ode to her mother.
Shreekant Sambrani tells himself over and over again, don't lose heart in these dire times, there is asha (hope) still, in the divine voice of Asha Bhosle.
'Ashaji was unlike any other, a voice that defined not only one generation but across a span of cinematic universe! I was and have been the massive fan of her voice, her art, her personality...'
'Today's girls are freer than the earlier generation. They perform more freely.'
Lata Mangeshkar has sung so many songs in her career, one even more popular than the other. But there are so many undiscovered gems. Subhash K Jha picks 10 lesser known, but exquisite, Lata songs.
Much, much, much before Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani fussed over What Jhumka, Asha Bhosle trilled in her alluring voice and teased us with tantalising details about the events leading to her precious Jhumka's loss.
Kamini Kaushal was one of the top three heroines of the 1940s, alongside Suraiya and Nargis. Dinesh Raheja lists 10 songs that defined her career.
"Give me a harmonium and my 'Lota', and I will give you an outstanding composition," Sachin Dev Burman once famously declared.
On Lata Mangeshkar's birthday, Prachita Baban Patil sings for the legend.
Lataji had once picked her favourites, albeit reluctantly, and told Subhash K Jha just why they were so close to her heart.
His favourite Lataji song is Luka Chuppi.
'I don't want to do silly or meaningless work anymore.'
The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) were held at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
As India mourns Lata Mangeshkar's passing, Namrata Thakker takes a look at the Legend's life through these amazing pictures.
Sing your favourite Lata Mangeshkar song and send it to us.
'Ek Do Teen gave me recognition, Aye Mere Humsafar brought emotional depth, Taal Se Taal Mila challenged me musically, Agar Tum Saath Ho connected me with the new generation.' 'Each song came into my life at the right time.'
Sukanya Verma presents a playlist of 100 Lata Mangeshkar songs from different decades of Hindi films -- songs that make me sing, smile, sob and sigh.
In this special series, Dinesh Raheja explores prominent music duos, and the dynamics that went into the making, and the unmaking.
Which is your favourite Lata Mangeshkar song?
Jatin-Lalit's music score for Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is one of the best-selling soundtracks of all times and their Pehla Nasha is a song for the ages.
As we celebrate singer Mukesh's birth centenary on July 22, it is a nice time to recall his closeness to Lata Mangeshkar, who would call him 'Mukesh bhaiyya'.
Sukanya Verma celebrates The Legend's 25 distinctly different moods.
I was being slowly poisoned' 'I was bed-ridden for three months and was so weak.'
'It is very natural to connect to Lataji's songs whenever I am singing,' says Atul Bane.
What's your favourite Lata song?
Lata Mangeshkar's amazing and glorious life paused at 8.12 am on February 6.
'If I'm proud to be single it's because Lata was so blissfully single.'
Music director duos are a unique Bollywood feature, and many have become iconic. In this special series, Dinesh Raheja explores prominent music duos, and their dynamics.
Sing your favourite Lata Mangeshkar song and send it to us.
S D Burman is that unique composer who remained successful right up to his death with his creative engines never running on empty.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances