Indian music legend Asha Bhosle dies aged 92

Two-time Grammy nominee was one of Bollywood’s most versatile and celebrated voices The Indian singer Asha Bhosle, whose voice defined Bollywood cinema and whose career spanned almost eight decades, has died in Mumbai at the age of 92. Bhosle, who recorded more than 12,000 songs, became her country’s pre-eminent exponent of playback singing – recording tracks that were then lip-synced on film by actors. She also boldly embraced cabaret and western-influenced melodies to forge a distinctive musical identity. Bhosle’s family said she died on Sunday after being admitted to hospital for extreme exhaustion and a chest infection. News of her death prompted tributes and fond memories from politicians, artists and sports stars. India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi, said he was deeply saddened by her death. “Her extraordinary musical journey, spanning decades, enriched our cultural heritage and touched countless hearts across the world,” he said. “She will continue to inspire generations and her songs will forever echo in people’s lives.” The home minister, Amit Shah, said Bhosle had touched millions with her voice and left “an indelible mark not just in Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Guj