Legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle dies aged 92

Indian singer Asha Bhosle, who sang on tracks for countless Bollywood films, has died at the age of 92.

Bhosle died on Sunday of multiple organ failure at a private hospital in Mumbai, a doctor at the facility said.

In a social media post on Saturday, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle had said the singer had been suffering from exhaustion and a chest infection.

The singer's death sparked tributes from the worlds of politics and showbiz, with India's prime minister Narendra Modi writing on X that Bhosle's voice "carried timeless brilliance".

"Her extraordinary ‌musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world," he said.

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman wrote on Instagram: "She lives forever with her voice and aura. What an artist."

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said Bhosle's death marked "a deeply sad day for India, and for music lovers across the world".

"Words feel too small for the loss we feel," he continued.

"One moment the heart falls silent, and the next, it drifts through the countless melodies she gifted all of us.

"It feels as though time itself has paused. Yet through her eternal songs, she will remain timeless forever."

"She always had a personality in the songs she sang," Indian actress Kajol said.

"We as actors were always coming up short trying to give to the camera what she could express in her voice.

"The only word that comes to mind to describe her is magnificent. Now and forever."

India's president Droupadi Murmu said Bhosle's death had "created a huge void in the world of music".

She continued: "Her legendary career as an iconic singer has defined an era of music in India.

"I have fond memories of having interacted with her personally.

"She led her life on her own terms as an artist and as an individual."

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Bhosle - the younger sister of another iconic singer, Lata Mangeshkar, who died in 2022 - enjoyed a decades-spanning career, embracing cabaret and Western-influenced melodies to forge a distinct musical identity.

She recorded around 12,000 songs which featured in hundreds of films, including 1966's Teesri Manzil and the 1971 blockbuster Caravan.

Bhosle was nominated for two Grammys and awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke award - India's top arts award and second-highest civilian honour.

The star influenced the UK charts too, as she was the inspiration for Britpop band Cornershop's hit 1997 single Brimful of Asha.

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