AR Rahman Pays Tribute to Asha Bhosle With ‘Asha Forever’ on Her Birthday
MUMBAI — Music composer AR Rahman paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle on her birthday with the release of “Asha Forever,” a song recorded with her during her lifetime.
Rahman unveiled the tribute in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Ashish Shelar and Bhosle’s granddaughter Zanai Bhosle were also in attendance.
Speaking at the release, Rahman thanked Fadnavis for joining the tribute.
“I am deeply grateful to the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji, for graciously inviting us and giving us his valuable time on this special occasion as we honour the legendary Asha Ji with this song,” Rahman said.
“Asha Bhosle was Maharashtra’s and our national pride, she was our greatest strength in taking our music global. Her voice and music transcended every boundary, and it is very special to celebrate her legacy.”
Recorded by Rahman with Bhosle before her death, “Asha Forever” also features students and musicians from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. The song was filmed in London and Mumbai and was written by Amitabh Bhattacharya.
The project carries forward a celebration that had originally been envisioned during Bhosle’s lifetime. Released in India by Rooh Records, “Asha Forever” is available on major music streaming platforms worldwide and is distributed by Warner Music India.
Several celebrities and members of the film and music industries also marked what would have been Bhosle’s 93rd birthday with social media tributes, including Kumar Sanu, Sudesh Bhosle and filmmaker Subhash Ghai.
“Today, on Asha Ji’s birthday, I find myself remembering not just the legendary voice the world knew, but the beautiful person behind it There are some artists who leave behind songs, and then there are those who leave behind an entire legacy. Asha Ji was truly one of them. Her voice brought life to countless emotions and will continue to live on in our hearts and in the music she gifted to generations. I feel fortunate to have shared the same musical journey and to have known her. Her presence will always be deeply missed, but her music will never leave us. Happy Birthday in heaven, Asha Ji,” Sanu wrote.
Asha Bhosle died in Mumbai on April 12, 2026, at age 92. Her career spanned more than eight decades, during which she recorded thousands of songs in multiple languages. (Source: IANS)
