PHOTOS: STAR

ZAHID AKBAR & SHAH ALAM SHAZU

Asha Bhosle (1933-2026) was a legend not only in the context of South Asia, but the entire musical world feels her absence. Her departure brought about a platitude of sorrow in Bangladesh as well. Some of the most renowned musicians in the country made their reactions known in their personal tributes.

The world has lost a rare jewel: Runa Laila

In an emotional tribute on Facebook, Runa Laila recalled her deep bond with the iconic singer, describing her loss in words that echoed the grief of millions. She said, “I am completely devastated. The world has lost a rare jewel, irreplaceable and unsurpassable. I learnt so much from her. As a child, I would listen to Asha didi’s songs and try to copy the superfine and finely-honed intricacies in her unmatched voice.

Whilst judging the reality show Sur Kshetra , we became very close. We laughed and joked and gossiped so much that after a few episodes the producer placed us far apart so that we couldn’t communicate easily. But Asha didi insisted that I be seated in the chair next to her and of course you simply cannot say ‘no’ to her.

She would cook Biryani and Prawns for me and bring them to the shoot for me. We became good friends and loved and respected each other. I always insisted that she call me by my name instead of Runa ji and Aap . But she told me that she respects a human being and as a ‘great’ artiste therefore, she continued calling me that.

Didi I will miss our long conversations on the phone, endless gossip and hearing your voice again saying Runaji Aap kaisi hain (Runa ji , how are you)?

May you rest in eternal peace.”

A voice like hers was rare: Sabina Yasmin

The legendary Sabina Yasmin shared her heartfelt memories of the legend. “I truly have no words to describe Asha ji’s music. I have only ever listened to her in awe, and I will continue to do so all my life.

Reminiscing about her meeting with the singer, she shared, “I first met her during the recording of the film Onnyay Obichar , when I travelled to Mumbai. It was at R D Burman’s studio. She was incredibly warm and humble—there was no trace of ego despite her stature. Perhaps that is what defines truly great artistes.”

Sabina also added that Asha had praised the songs of Onnyay Obichar , and later, when she visited Bangladesh and stayed at the InterContinental, she listened to several of her songs. That remains a cherished moment in her life.

“A signature voice like hers is rare. I feel deeply saddened by her passing. I do not even dare to comment on her music.”

The word ‘heartbroken’ feels insufficient: Kanak Chapa

Renowned singer Kanak Chapa expressed her grief. “The word ‘heartbroken’ feels insufficient—I am just shocked. We know that all humans must one day pass away, yet the music of such an artiste never dies.”

She also stated that in the next hundred years, the world may never hear another voice like hers—or like Lata Mangeshkar.

“It is hard to even imagine. While she was alive, I felt a strange comfort knowing that somewhere on this same earth, Asha Bhosle existed. It felt as though her breath, her music, somehow reached me. Her voice was utterly unique—like honey that cannot be separated once poured, like a pearl that shines with its own brilliance.”

Adding that there’s no comparison for her, Kanak Chapa said, “I will listen to her songs as long as I live. News like this is difficult to accept—I am deeply shaken.”

She will remain an idol for generations to come: Rafiqul Alam

“There is no need to say anew how gifted an artiste Asha Bhosle was,” said eminent singer Rafiqul Alam. “I consider it an act of audacity to speak about her. Even so, let me say a few words. I had the fortune of meeting such a celebrated artiste twice — once in Dhaka, and once in Kolkata.”

Rafiqul Alam said, “In Dhaka, I had the opportunity to speak with her closely. I asked her directly, ‘Asha ji , Jibono , the song you have sung, is an extraordinarily beautiful song in the Bengali language. Is it possible to render such a song by bringing every skill to bear? No one but you could sing this song.’ She was pleased to hear it. She smiled. Then she asked, ‘Is it popular here too?’ I told her it was a favourite and a song beloved by everyone.”

Rafiqul Alam said, “Whenever one speaks of any discipline, one needs a point of reference. In the very first such reference, the name of Asha Bhosle will inevitably arise. If we speak of live music, her name comes up effortlessly. Through her music, she elevated herself to an unparalleled height. She will remain an example for all time.”

He continued, “Personally, I feel that to reach the level of an artiste like her, I would have to be born twice. As a female artiste in live music and classical music, Asha Bhosle stands at a very great height. Today she has departed. We must remember her. The songs she sang will keep her alive forever.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​”

I followed her style closely: Fahmida Nabi

Paying a heartfelt tribute, Fahmida Nabi expressed her emotions. “I am deeply saddened to hear that Asha Bhosle is no more. I do not know what words could suffice. Another Asha Bhosle will never be born, that much I know. From a young age, her musical finesse, beauty, knowledge, and magical voice shaped my dreams. I followed her style closely, her expression, clarity, romance, everything.” An artiste like her never truly dies. She will live on forever in the hearts of listeners through her songs. What she has left behind is timeless and inexhaustible.