New Delhi: Asha Bhosle, born on September 8, 1933 remained one of India’s most celebrated playback singers and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most recorded artist in music history. Across an extraordinary career spanning eight decades, she lent her voice to more than 10,000 songs in multiple languages, covering Hindi cinema, ghazals, pop and regional music traditions.

On April 12, 2026, the legendary singer passed away at the age of 93 after suffering chest infection. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital following a cardiac episode but later succumbed to organ failure. Her death marks the end of a defining era in Indian music, closing a chapter that shaped generations of listeners and performers alike.

Early life and career

Born in Maharashtra to noted classical vocalist Dinanath Mangeshkar, she was the younger sister of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. After her father’s death, she began singing in the early 1940s to support her family.

Initially associated with lively cabaret-style tracks such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja and O Mere Sona Re, she later earned critical acclaim for her nuanced performance in Umrao Jaan (1981), winning her first National Award.

Key collaborations

Her creative partnership with composer R. D. Burman proved historic. Their professional association later turned into marriage, and together they delivered numerous memorable songs.

Awards and honours

She received India’s highest cinema honour, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, in 2000 and was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. She also won seven Filmfare Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.

Filmfare Best Female Playback Award

• 1968: Garibon ki Suno (Dus Lakh, 1966)
• 1969: Parde Mein Rehne Do (Shikar, 1968)
• 1972: Piya Tu Ab To Aaja (Caravan, 1971)
• 1973: Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna, 1972)
• 1974: Hone Lagi Hain Raat (Naina, 1973)
• 1975: Chain Se Humko Kabhi (Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye, 1974)
• 1979: Yeh Mera Dil (Don, 1978)

Special Award

• 1996: Special Award (Rangeela, 1995)
• 2023: Lata Mangeshkar Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

2001: Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

National Film Awards

• 1981: Dil Cheez Kya Hai (Umrao Jaan)
• 1986: Mera Kuch Samaan (Ijaazat)

IIFA Awards

2002: Radha Kaise Na Jale ( Lagaan)

Record recognition

In 2011, Guinness World Records acknowledged her for the highest number of studio recordings by any artist.

Personal life

She had three children — Hemant, Varsha and Anand Bhosle.