The voice that once seemed immortal has now fallen silent. Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai on April 12, following a cardiac arrest after being hospitalised for a chest infection. But even as her mellifluous voice pauses, her story continues to echo her unshakeable spirit despite life’s tragedies.
While many may know her only for timeless melodies like Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu, and Dil Cheez Kya Hai, here’s a look at the five biggest tragedies of Asha Bhonsle’s life that reveal glory despite all odds.
Sour Family Ties
Long before the spotlight found her, life tested her resilience. The death of her father, Deenanath Mangeshkar, left the family grappling with emotional and financial strain. Alongside her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha began building a career in music under difficult circumstances.
But at just 16, she made a decision that would alter her life forever, she eloped with Ganpatrao Bhosle, a man 20 years older to her. The choice created tensions within the family, isolating her at a time when she needed support the most.
Financial Hardships
Marriage did not bring any emotional and financial stability for her as her husband, Ganpatrao, earned only Rs. 100 a month. With limited income and mounting responsibilities, Asha was compelled to step out to earn —often leaving behind her infant son to pursue singing gigs and waking up 5 am to do riyas (practice), her days were tiring.
When she moved to Borivali with her husband’s family, the household work mounted even more. She balanced domestic duties such as fetching water, cooking, dropping kids at the school, all alone with the relentless pursuit of a career that was still finding its footing.
Abusive Marriage
One of the biggest blows to Asha Bhosle’s personal life came in 1960. While pregnant with her third and youngest child, Anand, she was asked to leave her husband’s home and fend for herself, leading to her separation. Returning to her maternal home, Bhonsle chose dignity over bitterness. She rebuilt her life from scratch, raising her children largely on her own, without much help from anyone in society. In a 2003 chat with Kavita Chhibber, Asha reportedly also opened up about the abuse in her love marriage.
“There was abuse and ill-treatment, and I was finally asked to leave when I was expecting my youngest son, Anand, and I did go back to my mother, sisters, and brother. I do not blame anyone and have no ill will,” she said and added, “The family was very conservative, and they could not handle a singing star for a daughter-in-law.”
Criticism for ‘Bold’ Songs
Despite life falling apart on the personal front, Bhonsle’s career began to rise in the music world. However, fame did not come easy. She faced criticism for singing songs considered ‘bold’ at the time such as Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Dum Maaro Dum, and Yeh Hai Reshmi Zulfon Ka Andhera. But Bhonsle remained undeterred. For her, music was both an artistic expression and a means to earn a livelihood to support her children.
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Children’s Demise
Before she could celebrate the peak of her success, life threw her another deeply grieving time. She endured the devastating loss of two of her children. Her daughter Varsha Bhosle, a renowned columnist, passed away in 2012, committing suicide, and her son Hemant, a composer, died in 2015 after battling cancer. These were losses that no measure of fame or success could soften.
While going through personal losses, Asha Bhosle chose to keep going. Her career, spanning over eight decades, was not just prolific but turned her into a woman who turned adversity into art.
