Legendary singer Asha Bhosle He was cremated with full state honors at the Shivaji Park Crematorium on Monday as the nation mourned the loss of one of its most iconic voices. The singer died on Sunday aged 92 of multiple organ failure, leaving behind a legacy spanning more than eight decades and more than 12,000 songs.In the midst of grief, the veteran actor Mumtaz recalled the singer’s last memory, sharing a touching account of his final moments.“When I heard that he was hospitalized I rushed… I wanted to talk to him but I couldn’t because the doctors informed us that he is in a critical condition. A few minutes later when I was leaving the hospital, his family called to say that he had passed away. The next day I visited his house and when I saw Asha ji, she had a kind of noor on her face,” Mumtaz told Hindustani Times.
“He would say this was his most difficult song”
The actor-singer duo created memorable hits over the years, including songs like Koi Shahri Babu and Duniya Mein Logon Ko, which became timeless classics.Reminiscing about their musical journey, Mumtaz added, “Ashaji would always tell me that Aaja O Mere Raja has been the most difficult song of his career because of the vocal variations.”
Memories beyond music
Beyond their professional collaborations, Mumtaz also shared a very personal memory from their youth, revealing the warmth of their bond with the legendary singer and his family.“I remember lying on Ashaji and Lata Mangeshkar’s lap when they performed riyaz with their tanpura,” he said, painting a nostalgic picture of their time as Walkeshwar residents.
A final farewell with state honors
On Monday, Asha Bhosle — popularly known as Asha Tai — was gunned down by the Mumbai Police. Clad in the tricolor, his mortal remains were cremated in a touching ceremony attended by relatives, friends and admirers.His last rites were performed by his son Anand as chants and prayers filled the air, marking the end of an era in Indian music.
