A lifetime devoted to music brought Asha Bhosle immense fame, but her personal life was shaped by profound love and deep heartbreak.
The singer had three children-Hemant, Varsha, and Anand-from her first marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle.
Her eldest son, Hemant Bhosle, composed songs for films such as Dharam Shatru, Sansani: The Sensation, and Raja Jogi, and was also known for Kishore-Asha duets such as "Aji Kaho Kya Haal Hai" from Anpadh.
Her daughter Varsha Bhosle chose a different path, working as a columnist for well-known publications. Meanwhile, her youngest son, Anand Bhosle, took charge of managing his mother's professional commitments.
Two Personal Losses
Despite her success, Asha Bhosle endured the pain of losing two of her children. Varsha died by suicide in 2012 at the age of 56. A few years later, in 2015, Hemant died after battling cancer.
These tragedies came after an already difficult early phase in her personal life. At just 16, she had married Ganpatrao against her family's wishes, but the relationship turned troubled. After facing mistreatment from her in-laws, she returned to her maternal home with her children while pregnant with her third child. The couple eventually separated in 1960.
About Her Family
Born into the renowned Mangeshkar family, Asha was the daughter of Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti. After her father's death when she was nine, the family moved from Pune to Kolhapur and later Mumbai, where she and her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar began working in films to support the household.
Her siblings, including Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Khadikar, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar, also contributed to India's rich musical heritage.
Years after her first marriage ended, Asha found companionship again with legendary composer RD Burman, forming one of Bollywood's most iconic singer-composer partnerships. Though they had no children together, their creative bond defined an era.
Her family today extends to her grandchildren, including Chaitanya Bhosle and Zanai Bhosle.
The legendary singer, whose versatile voice captivated generations of music lovers, breathed her last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday at the age of 92.
The veteran singer was admitted to the hospital after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, according to her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle.
Doctors later confirmed that she died due to multi-organ failure.
She will be cremated at 4 pm with full state honours at Shivaji Park, Mumbai.
Several political leaders and Bollywood celebrities rushed to pay their last respects.
# With input from media reports