Asha Bhosle passes away at 92: Ode to the voice behind generations of Bollywood's divas, from Madhubala to Karisma Kapoor

Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital as reported by ANI. She was admitted after suffering cardiac and respiratory issues and had been unwell for the past few months.

Her death has left the music industry in mourning. As tributes pour in, let's remember how Asha Bhosle lent her melodious voice to some of the biggest screen divas across generations.

Asha Bhosle sang several sensuous and memorable numbers for Madhubala. The song ‘Aaiye Meherbaan’ from Howrah Bridge remains one of her most popular tracks.

Other hits she recorded for the Mughal-e-Azam star include ‘Achha Ji Main Haari Chalo’ and ‘Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka’. Her voice perfectly matched Madhubala’s graceful on-screen presence and for us, these songs are close to our hearts for all the right reasons.

Even at the age of 62, Asha Bhosle delivered youthful energy for Urmila Matondkar. Songs like ‘Tanha Tanha’ and ‘Rangeela Re’ from Rangeela became chartbusters. She later sang ‘Kambakht Ishq’ for Urmila and in April, 2025, Fardeen Khan shared a throwback video of his hit song and wrote, "24 years ago, the song – Kambakht Ishq, from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya changed everything for me."

Asha Bhosle’s voice suited Zeenat Aman beautifully in many films. Iconic tracks like ‘Dum Maro Dum’, ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’, and ‘Do Lafzon Ki Hai Dil Ki Kahani’ became evergreen hits. 'Dum Maro Dum' later had a reprised version featuring Deepika Padukone in the lead and also the song received good responses.

Asha Bhosle’s voice brought magic to Karisma Kapoor’s dance number ‘Le Gayi’ from Dil To Pagal Hai. It was the only solo song for Karisma in the film and remains a popular dance track. Asha Bhosle’s big break came when she sang for Vyjayanthimala in Naya Daur. Duets such as ‘Maang Ke Saath Tumhara’ and ‘Uden Jab Jab Zulfein Teri’ that were done in collaboration with Mohammed Rafi became hugely popular.

She also lent her voice to Mumtaz in ‘Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka Andhera’ and Asha Parekh in ‘Jaaiye Aap Kahan’. Her work with Bindu in ‘Hungama Ho Gaya’ was later recreated by Kangana Ranaut in Queen.

Asha Bhosle’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian playback singing and her ability to adapt her voice to different actresses and moods made her one of the most versatile singers in Hindi cinema.