Born in 1933 into a family of musicians, she began singing as a child alongside her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar, after their father’s death.
Her personal life was marked by early challenges. She married at 16, in a relationship that later broke down.
Through the years, she was often compared to her elder sister – who was revered as the “nightingale” of Bollywood and died in 2022 – but Bhosle built a distinct identity.
While her elder sister became known for more poignant songs, Bhosle, until later in her career, was associated with bold, jazzy and cabaret-style numbers.
Her rise began in the 1950s during her collaboration with composer OP Nayyar, which marked a turning point in her career.
She later worked closely with RD Burman, whom she later married. The two were together for 14 years until Burman died in 1994, a partnership that helped expand the range and experimentation in her singing.
Even in her later years, she continued to sing and experiment. Bhosle collaborated with the British virtual band Gorillaz on their 2026 album The Mountain, which explored the themes of grief and mortality.
The track, The Shadowy Light, paired her voice with international musicians, in a song that reflected on death and the afterlife.
Away from music, she was known for her love of cooking. Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar said in a television interview on Sunday that she would often prepare kebabs for him, taking particular pleasure when he praised her food.
She was also the creative force behind the restaurant chain “Asha’s”, with outlets in Dubai and the UK.
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