Pakistani artists pay emotional tributes to Asha Bhosle, call her “voice for the world”
Pakistani actors, singers, and media personalities have paid heartfelt tributes to legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, remembering her as a timeless voice that transcended borders and generations.
The 92-year-old singer, who reportedly passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure at a Mumbai hospital after being admitted for a chest infection and exhaustion, is being mourned across the subcontinent as one of the most influential figures in South Asian music.
Singer-actor Ali Zafar, who has also worked in Indian films, described her as an extraordinary artist and said her voice belonged to the world.
“Goodbye, the Queen. You’ll be missed forever, as your voice was never just India’s—it was a gift to the entire world,” he said in his tribute, calling her an unmatched and inspiring talent whose legacy would continue to shape generations.
Actor Imran Abbas called her passing a loss not just for one country but for music itself. Recalling a personal interaction, he shared memories of a warm and playful conversation he once had with her, saying she carried an unforgettable charm beyond her voice.
“There was no one like her, and there never will be,” he wrote, adding that her music had created a deep emotional bond with listeners across borders, including Pakistan.
Actress Reema Khan described Asha Bhosle as “a melody that never fades,” calling her death the end of an era. She praised the singer’s remarkable versatility, noting her effortless transition between energetic cabaret numbers and deeply expressive ghazals.
Actor Adnan Siddiqui said her voice had a rare emotional depth that could fill even silence with humanity. He thanked her for the memories and emotions her music created, adding that her legacy would continue to be heard “somewhere, somehow.”
Filmmaker Meher Jaffri also joined the tributes, sharing the classic song “Dil Cheez Kya Hai” and calling her a legend whose voice became the soundtrack of countless lives across generations.
Singer Shuja Haider said her music had inspired millions across the world, calling her one of the greatest names in global music history and marking her passing as the closing of a significant chapter.
Media personality RJ Anoushey Ashraf reflected on the cultural connection between India and Pakistan through music, saying Asha Bhosle’s voice lived in homes across both countries and required no borders to be appreciated.
Filmmaker Meher Jaffri echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how shared music continues to connect audiences across the subcontinent despite political divides.
Asha Bhosle’s career spanned over eight decades, during which she recorded more than 12,000 songs in around 20 languages. She was honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008.
Her vast body of work includes iconic songs for Indian cinema, including tracks from films like Don, Indrajeet, and The Great Gambler, which continue to remain popular across generations.
