Mumbai, Sep 2026 : Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle was a “vibrant source of energy”, and her voice and songs will continue to bring joy to generations to come, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday.
Fadnavis was speaking at the launch of ‘Asha Forever’, a special song created by renowned composer A.R. Rahman to mark Asha Bhosle’s 93rd birthday. The song was released in Mumbai by the Chief Minister in the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Advocate Ashish Shelar, A.R. Rahman, Asha Bhosle’s granddaughter Janai Bhosle, members of the Bhosle family and several prominent personalities from the film and music industries.
Fadnavis said Bhosle’s entire life had been filled with happiness, enthusiasm and remarkable energy. Even in her 90s, her vitality and love for life were clearly visible during her performances, he said.
“Ashaji’s voice is an everlasting experience. As long as her songs continue to be heard, she will remain alive in the hearts of music lovers,” Fadnavis said.
He said Bhosle had entertained audiences for several decades through her extraordinary singing and left behind a rich musical legacy that needed to be preserved for future generations.
The Chief Minister described ‘Asha Forever’ as a beautiful musical tribute created to celebrate the legendary singer’s contribution to Indian music. He expressed the hope that similar initiatives would be organised every year to preserve and celebrate memories associated with Bhosle and her immense contribution to the world of music.
Fadnavis also congratulated A.R. Rahman, Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and the entire team involved in creating the song.
Shelar said Asha Bhosle shared an unbreakable bond not only with people across Maharashtra but also with music lovers in India and around the world. Having sung in Marathi and several other Indian and international languages, Bhosle played a significant role in taking Indian music to a global audience, he said.
Her distinctive voice and versatile singing style gave Indian music a unique identity internationally and made her one of the most celebrated singers of her generation.
Rahman said ‘Asha Forever’ was a humble tribute to Bhosle and her extraordinary musical journey.
“Ashaji is a daughter of Maharashtra, India and the entire world. Her voice and musical legacy will remain alive forever,” Rahman said.
Janai Bhosle also spoke about the making of the special song and shared details of its creation with those present at the event.
The programme concluded with the official release and audio-visual presentation of ‘Asha Forever’ by Chief Minister Fadnavis. The launch celebrated Bhosle’s enduring contribution to music and paid tribute to a voice that has remained an integral part of the cultural and musical landscape for generations.
