Mumbai: As the nation mourns Asha Bhosle’s demise on a sad Sunday, the common thread in condolence messages pouring in from all quarters is that India has lost one of its most versatile singers who could lift the mood on any occasion with her melodious songs.
Shreya Ghoshal summed it up aptly.
“Today, we lost a voice that defined generations… a spirit that redefined music itself. Asha Bhosle ji wasn’t just legendary; she was limitless,” the popular singer wrote on Instagram.
Asha, who passed away at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital, was not just a celebrated playback singer with an unmatched body of work, she also left behind words that reflected warmth and generosity.
Her last social media video, posted on Instagram on February 25, reflected just that.
In the video, she greeted her fans with a gentle smile and a heartfelt message for the holy month of Ramadan.
“Namaskar, this is Asha Bhosle. Ramadan mubarak,” she said in Hindi, going on to describe the importance of the month, calling it a time of peace, prayer and compassion.
“In this month, there is so much calm. We keep praying for the poor, and whatever we have, we share with others,” she said.
She also invited everyone to celebrate iftar at her restaurant, Asha’s. “If you open your iftar at Asha’s, you will feel very happy,” she said before once again wishing everyone, “Ramadan mubarak.”
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Asha’s final written post on Instagram, on March 18, conveyed a deeper meaning.
It was about her collaboration with the band Gorillaz, on her last work ‘The Shadowy Light’, featured on ‘The Mountain’.
Asha’s note reflected on life, spirituality and connection to music through a powerful metaphor.
She described the song as holding profound meaning for her. She recalled visiting Varanasi and travelling along the Ganga river, which helped her understand the purpose of life and her own role on earth.
She explained that ‘The Shadowy Light’ symbolises her life’s journey, including her birth, relationships, dedication to music, and duties as a daughter, mother, sister, wife, and Hindu Indian. The boatman in the song represents music, guiding her across the river of life towards moksha, or ultimate freedom.
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