In a striking coincidence, both sisters passed away at the same age of 92 and on a Sunday. Lata Mangeshkar died on February 6, 2022 due to Covid-19 related complications, while Asha Bhosle passed away on April 12, 2026.

Born in the legendary Mangeshkar, the sisters dominated the music industry alongside stalwarts like Kishore Kumar, OP Nayyar, Mohammad Rafi among others in 90s.

Despite frequent comparisons, both sisters carved distinct identities. Lata Mangeshkar, often called the "Nightingale of India," dominated classical and soulful melodies, while Asha Bhosle built a reputation for versatility, experimenting with cabaret, pop, ghazals, and romantic numbers. 

Asha Bhosle once spoke about one seemingly minor incident that pushed her to consciously create a separate musical identity. "I thought to myself, if I will continue to sing in a similar voice to didi, then I will never get work as long as didi is in the business. I won’t have a name and fame of my own."

She added, "After this incident, I began to change my style of singing. I started to watch English movies to learn Western songs, observe how they would sing in English. I also learnt how to sing Qawwali, Ghazal, the voice modulations needed in different forms of singing. I started to learn it all."

They also collaborated on several memorable songs. Tracks like Mann Kyon Behka Re from Utsav, Jab Jab Tumhe Bhulaya from Jahan Ara, and Koi Ayega Ayega from Professor featured the sister duo.

Another popular collaboration, Paake Akeli Mohe, further showcased their contrasting yet complementary voices. These songs remain cherished examples of their unique harmony.

Opening up about their competition, Bhosle once candidly said, "There was definitely competition between us. It was a healthy one. This competition enhanced our songs."

The relationship between the sisters became strained after Asha Bhosle’s early marriage at age 16 to Ganpatrao Bhosle, 31 years old in 1949. She reportedly eloped with him, who was connected to Lata Mangeshkar’s professional circle. 

This marriage led to emotional distance within the family, and for a long time, Lata Mangeshkar did not maintain close communication with Asha due to personal and family disagreements. However, after birth of Asha's first child, the singer reconciled with her family.

Over the years, stories of rivalry between the two circulated widely in the industry. Addressing the claims, Asha called Lata her favourite singer and said, “People did carry tales and try to create trouble. I remember, sometimes both of us would be at a function and some industry types would ignore me… Later, didi and I would have a good laugh!”

Lata Mangeshkar once said, “Asha meri behen hain. Mujhse chaar saal choti hain aur hamesha mujhe tang kiya hain. Par main hamesha maaf karti hoon isko." To this, Asha Bhosle, replied, “Karna hi padega maaf toh. Maa maaf karti hain aur kaun karta hain maaf."