NEW DELHI (AP) 鈥� Asha Bhosle, one of India鈥檚 most versatile Bollywood singers whose performances shaped the country鈥檚 musical memory and modern cinema, has died. She was 92.
The legendary singer across genres died Sunday of multiple organ failure at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, Pratit Samdani, a physician at the hospital said. Her son, Anand Bhosle, told reporters that her last rites will be performed Monday.
Asha was admitted at the hospital on late Saturday with a chest infection and exhaustion, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle said in a social media post.
Asha鈥檚 timeless voice resonated across a film-obsessed India for nearly eight decades, recorded on about 12,000 songs. She boldly embraced cabaret and Western-influenced melodies to forge a distinct musical identity that stood uniquely apart from her sister, , herself a legendary voice revered as the 鈥淢elody Queen.鈥�
Asha鈥檚 death was widely condoled.
鈥淚 am deeply saddened鈥� by her passing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a social media post.
鈥淗er unique musical journey spanning decades has enriched our cultural heritage and touched the hearts of countless people around the world,鈥� Modi said. 鈥淔rom soulful melodies to spirited compositions, her voice carried a timeless brilliance.鈥�
Born on Sept. 8, 1933, Asha Bhosle was initiated into music by her father Dinanath Mangeshkar, who was also a trained singer. All her four siblings became accomplished singers and musicians.
Asha’s first marriage, in 1949, ended in separation in 1960. Her second marriage was to iconic music composer R.D. Burman in 1980. She is survived by a son and grandchildren.
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