India bids farewell to Asha Bhosle with state honours

A pall of grief has descended across India. Before the final journey of legendary singer Asha Bhosle, family members, fans and celebrities gathered at her residence to pay their respects. Her body was kept at her 'Casa Grande' residence on Monday, where she was given a final farewell with state honours.

The national flag was draped over her body. Mumbai was placed under tight security to ensure the smooth conduct of Asha Bhosle's last rites. Traffic was being regulated in various parts of the city, and police were deployed.

Members of the public were allowed to pay their respects until noon on Monday. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present to offer tributes.

Several Bollywood stars also arrived. Actors Riteish Deshmukh, Ranveer Singh, Tabu, and many others were present. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar paid his respects with his family. Family members also bid farewell to their beloved one for the last time.

Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Jackie Shroff, Neil Nitin Mukesh and many other celebrities also paid tributes. Her sister Meena Mangeshkar arrived in a wheelchair to bid farewell to her younger sister for the last time. Singer Anuradha Paudwal was also seen overcome with emotion.

Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, Siddharth Malhotra and many others expressed their grief on social media.

Her last rites were scheduled to be completed at Shivaji Park at 4:00 pm.

Earlier on Saturday, Asha Bhosle had suddenly fallen ill. She was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital. Dr Prateet Samdani, a physician, said her death was caused by multiple organ failure.

It is to be noted that over her long career, she sang in numerous languages and enriched Indian music. She received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Bhushan. In 1997, the legendary singer was also nominated for a Grammy Award.