Hyderabad: Political leaders from across the spectrum offered tributes and condolences following the demise of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle on Sunday, calling her the “iconic” singer and “voice of an era”.
President of India Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over Asha Bhosle’s demise, saying her passing has “created a huge void in the world of music”.
“Her legendary career as an iconic singer has defined an era of music in India. I have fond memories of having interacted with her personally. She led her life on her own terms as an artist and as an individual. With her melodious and timeless voice, she enriched Indian music for decades. Her music will live forever. Her demise is an irreparable loss to music lovers. I convey my heartfelt condolences to her family and countless admirers,” she said.
“Be it her soulful melodies or vibrant compositions, her voice carried timeless brilliance. I’ll always cherish the interactions I’ve had with her,” he added.
“My condolences to her family, admirers and music lovers. She will continue to inspire generations, and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives,” PM Modi concluded.
“Asha Tai not only carved out a unique identity with her sweet voice and unparalleled talent, but also enriched Indian music further through her melodies. Her extraordinary ability to adapt to every genre of music won over every heart. Asha ji, who touched millions of hearts with her voice, left an indelible mark not just in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati, and many other languages, but also in folk songs,” Shah posted on X in Hindi.
“Asha Tai’s voice held as much tenderness as her demeanor did simplicity and warmth. Whenever I met her, we would have long conversations on topics like music and art. Though she may not be with us today, through her voice, she will forever remain in our hearts. May God grant Asha ji a place at His divine feet. I extend my deepest condolences to her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti,” he added.
“Her voice was not just a confluence of notes but an unspoken bond of emotions that will remain alive in every heart. Her songs will continue to echo for generations to come,” Goyal said and extended deep condolences to the family and fans.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, termed the demise of the great singer “extremely heartbreaking.” “Through her voice, her art will forever remain immortal among us. In this hour of grief, my condolences are with her bereaved loved ones and admirers,” he posted on X in Hindi.
“Profoundly saddened by the demise of the great musical genius Asha Bhosle. She has been an inspiring and mesmerising singer who reigned over our hearts for generations. She sang many Bengali songs too, and is incredibly popular in Bengal also. We could confer our highest civilian award, ‘Bangabibhushan’ on her in 2018. My heartfelt condolences to her family and fraternity and millions of her fans all over the world,” Banerjee wrote on X.
Azad, whose wife Shameema Azad is a renowned singer from Jammu and Kashmir, shared images of Asha Bhosle with them. “Her songs will inspire generations to come. My heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. May her soul rest in peace,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar also paid rich tributes, stating that with Asha Bhosle’s demise, a golden era of music has ended. “The Queen of Sur (melody) has gone behind the curtain of time,” she said and highlighted the legendary singer’s exceptional sweetness, versatility, and emotional depth, noting how her voice enthralled audiences for decades through thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu termed her a ‘versatile Indian vocalist’ and remembered her for “extraordinary contribution to the music industry spanning over seven decades”.
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of veteran singer Asha Bhosle Ji. A legendary and versatile Indian vocalist, she was the most recorded artist in music history. Her extraordinary contributions to the music industry spanned over seven decades, enriching generations with timeless melodies,” Naidu posted on X.
“A recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, her legacy will remain an integral part of India’s musical heritage and will continue to resonate through the ages. Heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and admirers across the world,” he added.
Senior NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar described Asha Bhosle’s voice as magical and mesmerising, which ruled Indian music for over six decades. Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule offered an emotional tribute, calling her an extraordinary personality whose contribution to music was like a university of melody.
