'The beautiful garden of music has become desolate today': Maharashtra Governor, CM lead tributes to Asha Bhosle

Iconic singer Asha Bhosle breathed her last on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure after suffering from multiple medical complications. FILE PIC

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed profound grief over the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee and iconic playback singer Asha Bhosle, who died on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure following multiple medical complications.

Describing Asha Bhosle as a highly accomplished and talented playback singer who ruled over several generations of music lovers, he said her nearly eight-decade-long career enriched India's cultural heritage.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow, calling the news "extremely sad". He said, "After Lata didi, another star from the Mangeshkar family has faded away. The beautiful garden of music has become desolate today." Recalling a recent programme, he said Asha Bhosle had affectionately made him sing ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar', remembering her lively spirit and versatility.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal described her as the embodiment of sweet voice and unparalleled singing and said, "Her voice was not just a confluence of notes but an unspoken bond of emotions that will remain alive in every heart. Her songs will continue to echo for generations to come." He extended deep condolences to the family, the music fraternity, and millions of fans across the world.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the passing of Asha Bhosle marks the loss of a great musical empress, calling her a bright star of Indian music whose melodies captivated the world.

He said, "The ‘saptak' of music has been orphaned; ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar' is echoing in every heart today."

A vibrant source of musical energy: Eknath Shinde

Shinde added that the end of Asha Bhosle's journey marks the end of a golden era of music. He further stated that the void left by her passing is deeply felt in every household, as if a member of the family has been lost. The Shiv Sena chief described her as not just a singer but a vibrant source of musical energy, whose versatility across bhajans, lavanis, film songs, and western-style music left an indelible mark. He also noted her Guinness World Record for the highest number of recorded songs, calling her life journey an inspiration born out of determination and resilience.

Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar also paid rich tributes, stating that with Asha Bhosle's demise, a golden era of music has ended.

"The Queen of Sur (melody) has gone behind the curtain of time," she stated in her condolence message.

Pawar highlighted the legendary singer's exceptional sweetness, versatility, and emotional depth, noting how her voice enthralled audiences for decades through thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages. She specially mentioned evergreen hits such as ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja', ‘Dum Maro Dum', ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti', and ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne', describing Asha Bhosle's style as a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition.

According to official information, all medical formalities will be completed on Sunday. The public will be able to pay their last respects on April 13, Monday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm at Shivaji Park Crematorium with full state honours.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, called it "a sad day for the entire country and the state, marking the end of an era with the passing of Asha Bhosle."

In a deeply personal tribute, Ashish Shelar said, "Today I have lost my beloved sister. The veena of Goddess Saraswati has fallen silent. Ashatai overcame every sorrow in her life with a smile and gave immense love to me as a brother. The richness of my life has diminished today."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed profound sadness, remembering Asha Bhosle as a great musical genius who reigned over hearts for generations.

She noted the singer's immense popularity in Bengal and recalled that the state had conferred its highest civilian award, Bangabibhushan, on her in 2018.

Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohit Pawar described Asha Bhosle's voice as magical and mesmerising that ruled Indian music for over six decades.

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also offered an emotional tribute, calling her an extraordinary personality whose contribution to music was like a university of melody.

Asha Bhosle was known worldwide for her versatility - rendering everything from cabaret numbers and lavanis to bhakti geet, ovis, abhangs, and film songs in more than 20 languages. Her iconic Bhai-Beej ovi "Soniyacha Tati Ujalya Jyoti…" continues to resonate in Maharashtrian households.