The music world is mourning the loss of legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12 at age 92 after being hospitalized in Mumbai for exhaustion and a chest infection. Known as one of India's most celebrated vocalists with over 12,000 recorded songs, Bhosle's influence spanned continents and genres.
Damon Albarn, frontman of Gorillaz and Blur, led heartfelt tributes to the singer he called "the voice of an angel." In a personal statement, Albarn reflected on their collaboration on Gorillaz' latest album 'The Mountain' and his long-standing admiration for her work.
"Asha Bhosle was someone I had admired from afar for many years, her voice was my gateway to the marvellous world of Bollywood," Albarn wrote, sharing images of their time together.
Boy George also paid tribute, describing Bhosle's voice as "like silk." The Culture Club icon joined Albarn in recognizing the singer's extraordinary career, which included inspiring Cornershop's hit song 'Brimful Of Asha' and earning her the affectionate nickname 'Sadi rani' (Punjabi for "Our Queen").
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the many public figures honoring Bhosle's legacy, stating that she "will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people's lives." Born in 1933, Bhosle's seven-decade career established her as a cultural icon whose impact reached far beyond Bollywood, touching artists across the global music landscape.