The funeral of legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle took place in Mumbai on Monday, a day after her death at the age of 92. The two-time Grammy nominee was cremated with full state honours at Shivaji Park, with the ceremony attended by celebrities, politicians, and large crowds of mourners gathered to bid her farewell.

Bhosle died in Mumbai on Sunday following admission to hospital after a heart attack, prompting an outpouring of grief across India and internationally. Her body lay in a casket draped in the Indian flag and surrounded by floral wreaths before being transported in a truck covered in white flowers from her residence to the cremation site.

Videos showed the vehicle moving slowly through streets lined with people, some watching from rooftops and balconies, as they paid their final respects. The funeral included a gun salute, and just before her pyre was lit, attendees began singing her iconic song "Abhi na jaao chhor kar" (don't leave just yet). Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated Bhosle was "one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known."

Bhosle's career spanned nearly eight decades, encompassing thousands of recordings across multiple genres and languages. Her influence extended widely, with tributes from leading figures in film and sport, including Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar. Khan described her as "a talent that will outlive many," while Tendulkar noted she "will remain timeless through her eternal songs."

Beyond music, Bhosle was known for her passion for cooking and founded the restaurant chain "Asha's" with outlets in Dubai and the UK. Her personal life included early marriage at age 16 and a later partnership with composer R.D. Burman, whom she married, which expanded her artistic range. Even in later years, she continued to innovate, collaborating with acts like Gorillaz on their 2026 album.

Source: www.bbc.com