Papon's Tribute: Asha Bhosle's Music is "For Another Century to Come"

The legendary singer passed away on Sunday at the age of 92 years.

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in from across the country from all sections of people including artists, political leaders apart from her innumerable fans.

Singer Papon, who arrived at residence of Asha Bhosle to pay his last respects, noted that her music has shaped and enriched musical experiences for generations over the past eight decades.

"Loss doesn't just mean a loss for one industry, it's a loss for Indian music as a whole. And this isn't just about now; for eight decades, we've listened to her, sung her songs. By listening to her, we've experienced a whole spectrum of music," he told media persons.

"And what happens is... gradually, because we're all busy in life, we don't really stop to think, we just keep going. When someone suddenly passes away, that's when we perhaps get some time to reflect. That's the rule of life."

Papon said Asha Bhosle's singing, the way she expressed herself, people remember her versatility.

"But I think no one was more versatile than Asha ji. From ghazals to cabaret songs to romantic songs, everything. So her music is not just for today, it's for another century to come."

"I haven't met her very often, just once or twice. There was one long journey we shared on a flight; I even found a photo yesterday that reminded me of it. Her life has had many events, many experiences... she has gone through a lot. But when you meet her, she feels like a child... she's just carefree, living in the moment--not worrying about what's ahead. I think that's something everyone has learned from her."

Asked about his favourite songs, Papon said, "There are so many. Most of my favorite songs are hers, 'Roz Roz Aankhon Tale,' 'Mera Kuch Saamaan,' 'Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar,' 'Salona Sa Sajan Ho'... from ghazals to everything, there's nothing she hasn't done. 'Raat Baaki, Baat Baaki'..."

He urged younger artists to learn from her legacy. "What's important is that upcoming singers learn from her, how to sing into a microphone, how to bring attitude into a song, how to make a song your own. I think any new singer, especially today's generation, if they don't know her work well--please listen to Asha Bhosle's renditions of any song. Pick any song. Try singing it yourself, you'll understand what she was."

He dedicated a line to Asha Bhosle's memory from a song Asha: "Abhi na jao chhodkar, ke dil abhi bhara nahi...".

Singer Anuradha Paudwal also paid her tributes, calling it a profound loss. "We have lost a very great singer. It is a very sad day. But by defying this age, by defeating all the problems in life, she has emerged a winner," she told ANI.

The two singers shared a rich musical association, collaborating on projects ranging from Bollywood tracks to devotional albums like Shiv Stuti, as well as regional and Punjabi songs such as "Aala Aala Vara" and "Meri Chunni Da Chamke."

Draped in the Tricolour, her mortal remains were placed for public homage.

- ANI