Top News

Asha Bhosle performed her first song at 10. At 64, she became the first Indian singer to be nominated for Grammy. What was that song?
ET Online | April 12, 2026 5:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle has passed away at 92 in Mumbai. With a career spanning over seven decades and more than 12,000 songs recorded, she was the first Indian singer nominated for a Grammy. Her versatile voice graced countless timeless classics, leaving an indelible mark on music. Read on!

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle dies at 92 (Credit: Instagram)
The world bid farewell to one of its most iconic voices as Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. With a career spanning over seven decades, she built a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations. Her last rites will be held at Shivaji Park with full state honours. However, do you know she was the first Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy?

All you need to know about Asha Bhosle's career

Born on September 8, 1933, in Sangli, Asha Bhosle was the daughter of renowned musician Pt. Deenanath Mangeshkar. Music was a part of her life from the very beginning. She stepped into the world of singing at a young age and recorded her first song, Chala Chala Nav Bala, when she was just 10 years old. What started as a small step soon turned into an extraordinary journey. Over the years, she went on to record more than 12,000 songs in multiple languages, becoming one of the most prolific singers in Indian music history.


Asha Bhosle’s strength lay in her ability to adapt to different styles of music. From energetic cabaret numbers to soulful ghazals and classical melodies, she could do it all with ease. Her voice brought life to countless songs, making them timeless classics.

This versatility helped her stay relevant across generations, from the golden era of Hindi cinema to modern times. Whether it was a romantic track or a peppy dance number, Asha Bhosle nailed every song with a dash of her touch.

The Grammy milestone

In 1997, Asha Bhosle achieved a major international milestone. She became the first Indian singer to be nominated for a Grammy Award. The nomination came for Ustad Ali Akbar Khan’s album Legacy, where her vocals were widely appreciated, according to TOI.

Although she did not win the award, the nomination itself was a proud moment for India, as it placed her among global music icons. Years later, in 2006, she received another Grammy nomination for You’ve Stolen My Heart, a collaboration with the Kronos Quartet that reimagined songs of R.D. Burman.


For the unversed, on Saturday night (April 11), Asha Bhosle had been admitted to the hospital. Her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle shared that the veteran singer was suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. Zanai mentioned that Asha Bhosle was undergoing treatment and requested privacy for the family during that time. Unfortunately, the legendary singer passed away soon after, leaving fans across the world heartbroken.

Asha Bhosle’s contribution to music is truly unmatched. Over the decades, she received several prestigious honours, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan. Her songs continue to live on, connecting with listeners across generations.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK