Mumbai/Bhubaneswar: Legendary singer Asha Bhonsle, affectionately known as Ashatai and widely regarded as one of the most versatile vocalists India has ever produced, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.
She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on the evening of April 11 due to extreme exhaustion, a chest/pulmonary infection, and subsequent complications including cardiac arrest, leading to multi-organ failure. The last rites will be conducted on Monday.
Mourning her death, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi tweeted: “Deeply saddened by the passing of legendary singer Asha Bhosle ji. Her timeless voice was not just music, it was an emotion that defined generations. The void left by her departure is truly immeasurable. My heartfelt condolences to her family, admirers, and the entire music fraternity in this moment of profound grief. I pray to Mahaprabhu Sri Jagannath to grant her soul eternal peace. Om Shanti”
BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also offered condolences to her family and admirer. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of legendary Bollywood playback singer Asha Bhosle. Her euphonious voice enchanted generations of music lovers and the glorious legacy she has left behind in Indian music will be remembered for generations. My heartfelt condolences to her family and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” he posted on X.
The Legends & Her Songs In Odia
There is nary a plaudit in the music world that has not come her way. From the time she sang her first song in 1948 till now, Ashatai has fitted beautifully into the music of every generation and even posed a challenge to upcoming artistes. She has sung innumerable songs in most Indian regional languages in her chequered career and this includes Odia too. She recorded her last Odia song, composed by singer-music director Shankar Mahadevan, with her granddaughter Zanai in 2017.
Before that, she had lent her voice for To Na re Pindhili Sadhi’ (1959) from Maa, ‘Mu Hajichi Tuma Aakhire’ (1977) , ‘Jhimi Jhimi Ta Maaja Dakile Na Chhadibu’ (1976) from Samaya and ‘Jahna Go Tume Jhurana’ from Arati in 1981. She has also sang ‘Bande Utkal Janani’.
Also Read: Asha Bhonsle Sings ‘Bande Utkala Janani’ To Music By Shankar, Ehsaan, Loy
Let’s hear some of Ashatai’s songs sung in Odia:
Bhajan Manimaa
First Odia Jagannath Bhajan Manimaa. Produced by Devitosh Acharya and Creative Director by Avinash Nanda, Music Director Devitosh Acharya. Amara Muzik is the Official Music Label of Manimaa.
Bande Utkal Janani
Janha Go Tume Jhurana
Samabalpuri song
