by Steven Seedo
PARAMARIBO — Two-time Grammy-nominated legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle passed away in Mumbai on Sunday at the age of 92. With an impressive career spanning more than eight decades, she became one of the biggest and most influential artists in the Indian music world. Her death represents a great loss for the international music world, where her voice has played an important role for generations. She gave a concert in Suriname about twenty years ago.
The Surinamese-Dutch show promoter Mahindra Goercharan of Your Music Agency reacts with shock. “I didn’t see this coming,” he says the newspaper. Goercharan worked intensively with Bhosle for many years and built a close bond with her. Their collaboration started about twenty years ago through Bengali singer Purna Das Baul. “I then brought Bhosle to Amsterdam for her first show, in the Heineken Music Hall.”
“With her death, the world loses not only a singer, but a cultural icon. However, her music will live on and continue to inspire future generations”
That first collaboration grew into an international series of performances in the Netherlands, Berlin, Paris, Australia and New Zealand, among others. One of the highlights of that period was her collaboration with the Metropole Orchestra. She performed in prestigious halls such as Royal Theater Carré and gave concerts in The Hague and Paris. “During those tours we were one big family. That bond has always remained.
Indian Appreciation
The personal contact continued even after the intensive work period. “I am still in touch with her son Anand and granddaughter Zanai, whom I promote. She even called my daughter a few days ago,” says Goercharan.
Bhosle’s influence extended beyond India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her “one of the most iconic and versatile voices India has ever known.” He emphasized that her musical legacy has permanently enriched India’s cultural heritage and touched millions of people worldwide.
Bollywood actress and politician Hema Malini also reacted emotionally. She worked a lot with Bhosle, who often sang the songs for her films. “She brought my songs to life with her unique voice and style,” Malini told the English news channel BBC.
Unprecedented reputation
During her career, Bhosle recorded more than 12,000 songs, mainly for Bollywood films in which actors mimed her singing. She has received numerous awards and was included in the Guinness World Records in 2011 as the artist with the most recordings in music history.
Internationally she collaborated with artists such as Nelly Furtado and Boy George. Her music was sampled by, among others, The Black Eyed Peas and producer Timbaland. The British band Cornershop paid tribute to her with the song Brimful of Asha.
According to son Anand, the last rites will take place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Until then, fans will have the opportunity to say goodbye to her. With her death, the world not only loses a singer, but a cultural icon. However, her music will live on and continue to inspire future generations.
