Asha Bhosle’s Last Rites to be Held at Shivaji Park With Full State Honours
Mumbai, April 13, 2026 — The nation is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic voices. The last rites of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 92, will be performed this afternoon with full state honours at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.
The veteran singer breathed her last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday following a multi-organ failure. She had been admitted on Saturday evening after suffering from a chest infection, respiratory issues, and severe exhaustion.
Public to Pay Last Respects
Following her demise, her mortal remains were brought back to her residence in Lower Parel. Her son, Anand Bhosle, confirmed the schedule for her final journey, stating that fans and well-wishers can pay their last respects from 11:00 AM today at her residence, Casa Grande, in Lower Parel.
The funeral procession will then head to Shivaji Park, where the legendary singer will be cremated at 4:00 PM.
State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar officially announced that “Ashatai,” as she was affectionately known by millions, will be accorded a state funeral in recognition of her monumental contributions to Indian art and culture.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited her residence on Sunday evening to offer floral tributes and pay his last respects. Calling her a “unique and popular playback singer,” Fadnavis noted that her passing marks the second major loss to the Mangeshkar family and the nation, following the demise of her elder sister, Lata Mangeshkar.
An Unparalleled Musical Legacy
Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Asha Bhosle began her musical journey at the tender age of 10. Over a career that spanned more than eight decades, she carved out an undisputed legacy, refusing to be overshadowed by her sister’s greatness and creating her own distinct universe in playback singing.
Her versatility was unmatched—from the foot-tapping, Western-style collaborations with her husband and iconic composer R.D. Burman (Pancham) to soulful, classical renditions with Khayyam. She won two National Film Awards for her soulful tracks in Umrao Jaan (1981) and Ijaazat (1986).
Asha Bhosle’s global and national impact was staggering:
Guinness World Record: In 2011, she was officially recognized as the most recorded artist in music history, with over 11,000 solos, duets, and chorus tracks recorded across multiple languages.
Global Accolades: In 1997, she became the first Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy Award.
Highest Civilian Honors: The nation honored her with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Maharashtra Bhushan.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the globe, with foreign diplomats in India joining political leaders and the entire film and music fraternity in expressing their condolences. As the nation prepares for her state funeral today, the timeless melodies of Asha Bhosle ensure her voice will live on for generations to come.
