Veteran singer and actress Asha Bhosle breathed her last in Mumbai on Sunday. The Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner was 92 years old.
FULL STORY | Asha Bhosle no more; Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner was 92
One of the most celebrated playback singers, she enjoyed a career spanning over eight decades with thousands of recorded songs in more than 20 Indian languages. From her debut in 1943 to becoming a Guinness World Record holder, her journey was marked by versatility across genres like ghazals, pop, and classical music.
A natural with recipes
The "queen of melodies" was also passionate about food. According to reports, her deep appreciation for cuisine led her to open several restaurants in different parts of the world. In an interview with the Curly Tales YouTube channel, the veteran singer mentioned that she owned 10 restaurants worldwide. Asha Bhosle reportedly ran an Indian restaurant in Dubai, where some of her personal favourite dishes were made available.
Doha, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi were other Middle Eastern destinations where she opened restaurants, in addition to running multiple outlets in Kuwait, Aaj Tak said in a report. Asha Bhosle also left her culinary impression on Europe by opening Indian eateries in Birmingham, London, and Manchester, the report added.
Speaking about how the idea of running a restaurant chain came to her, the veteran artist reportedly told the Curly Tales YouTube channel: “I used to visit Dubai often. My son Anand Bhosle lives there, and the idea of opening a restaurant was his. When he was young, I would return from work, and he would insist on eating food made by me. I would cook for him, and he would say, ‘Mother, when I grow up, I will open a restaurant in your name, and the food will be yours.’”
Despite being very busy during her prime, Bhosle took pride in cooking and serving food. The kitchen remained a passion despite her scaling unmatched heights in her area of expertise and full-time profession.
A true legend
Through thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages, she ruled the hearts of listeners. Songs like 'Piya Tu Ab To Aaja', 'Dum Maro Dum', 'In Aankhon Ki Masti', and 'Chura Liya Hai Tumne' continue to live on the lips of music lovers today. Her singing reflected a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition.
"Asha Bhosle's career is a symbol of hard work, consistency, and dedication to the art. She mesmerised generations of listeners with her voice. Her demise is a great loss to Indian music," a tribute noted.
The veteran singer was honoured with several national and international awards during her long and successful career. "Through her achievements, she carved a place of honour in the field of music and earned global recognition for her unique contribution," the statement added. "Asha Bhosle's death is an irreparable loss. I pray that her family and countless admirers find the strength to bear this grief. I offer my heartfelt tributes to her."
