Legendary Bollywood singer and Gorillaz collaborator Asha Bhosle has died, aged 92 - Mixmag.net
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Legendary Bollywood singer and Gorillaz collaborator Asha Bhosle has died, aged 92

The "voice of Bollywood" recorded her last-ever track, 'Shadowy Light', alongside the animated band

  • Words: Megan Townsend | Photo: Firoze Edassery
  • 13 April 2026
Legendary Bollywood singer and Gorillaz collaborator Asha Bhosle has died, aged 92

Legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle, who collaborated with Gorillaz on their recently-released album 'The Mountain', has died aged 92. 

Bhosle passed away as a result of multiple organ failure on Sunday (March 12) Times of India reports, when she was admitted to hospital after suffering a chest infection and exhaustion a day prior.

Anand Bhosle, the musician's son, later confirmed her death to reporters outside of a hospital in Mumbai before sharing arrangements for her funeral, which took place earlier today (March 13).

Regarded as the "queen of playback", Bhosle is one of the most celebrated musicians in Bollywood. Alongside countless Indian music awards, she has also been nominated for two GRAMMY Awards. 

In 2008, she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour in India, for her contributions to the country's film and music industries.

Throughout her career, Bhosle collaborated with the likes of Boy George, Michael Stipe and Cornershop, the latter of which on a track titled 'Brimful of Asha', which was later remixed by Fatboy Slim.

Having worked on over 12,000 tracks, across a career spanning close to eight decades, Bhosle's final recording before her death was a collaborative track with Gorillaz, 'Shadowy Light', which featured on the animated band's latest album 'The Mountain'.

Following the release of the track last month, Bholse issued a statement reflecting on the afterlife, writing: "The song ‘The Shadowy Light’ holds deep meaning for me. Visiting Varanasi and travelling along the most sacred river Ganges, observing closely what I saw, I understood the meaning of life, who I was and what I was supposed to do on Earth."

"On ‘The Shadowy Light’, my crossing this deep river signifies my life’s journey… my birth, my relationships, my dedication to music, my achievements and my duties as a daughter, mother, sister, wife and a Hindu Indian," she said. "The boatman is my music, my guide across this river of life and when I get to the other side, my journey shall be complete."

You can read the full statement below.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X

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