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Damon Albarn's Tribute to Asha Bhosle: 'Voice of an Angel' and His Bollywood Gateway

Global musician Damon Albarn has paid heartfelt tribute to the late legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away at age 92. In an Instagram post, Albarn described Bhosle's voice as his "gateway to the marvellous world of Bollywood" and recalled being entranced by her grace during meetings in Mumbai. He shared a poignant memory of sitting cross-legged playing R.D. Burman's harmonium while she sang, a moment he said would stay with him forever. Bhosle's influence spanned generations, including a collaboration with Albarn's band Gorillaz on their 2026 album.

Key Points: Damon Albarn Honors Asha Bhosle as His Gateway to Bollywood

  • Albarn's emotional Instagram tribute
  • Called her voice his Bollywood gateway
  • Recalled meeting her in Mumbai at 91
  • Shared memory of playing harmonium as she sang
2 min read

"The voice of an angel": Gorillaz Frontman Damon Albarn remembers Asha Bhosle as his 'gateway to Bollywood'

Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn shares emotional tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle, recalling her grace and their musical collaboration.

"Asha, you had the voice of an angel, we love you. - Damon Albarn"

Mumbai, April 14

As tributes continue to pour in for legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who passed away on April 12, global artist Damon Albarn has joined others in remembering the icon whose music touched generations across borders.

Asha Bhosle, whose voice shaped Indian cinema for more than eight decades, passed away at the age of 92. Her last rites were held with state honours on Monday at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, where several stars from the worlds of cinema, music and sport gathered to pay their last respects.

On Tuesday, Albarn shared an emotional post on Instagram remembering the late singer. Along with a set of old photographs that appeared to be taken at Asha Bhosle's Mumbai residence, the Gorillaz frontman looked back on the admiration he had carried for her for years.

In his note, Albarn described her voice as his "gateway" into the world of Bollywood music. He wrote warmly about finally meeting her in Mumbai and being struck by her elegance and presence even at the age of 91.

Remembering those encounters with affection, he wrote, "Asha Bhosle was someone I had admired from afar for many years, her voice was my gateway to the marvellous world of Bollywood. I met her twice in Mumbai and was entranced by her grace and poise at the age of 91."

Albarn also shared one special memory that clearly stayed with him the most. Recalling the moment of sitting "cross-legged" while she sang, Albarn said it would remain with him forever. In a deeply personal farewell, he added, "The memory of sitting cross-legged playing R. D. Burman's harmonium while she sang will stay with me forever. I send my deepest condolences to her lovely family. Asha, you had the voice of an angel, we love you."

Soon after the post went live, fans flooded the comments section with messages of emotion and admiration. Many called it a beautiful tribute, while others remembered Asha Bhosle as one of the greatest singers of all time.

Asha Bhosle's influence extended far beyond Hindi film music. Over the years, the singer collaborated with artists across genres and generations, constantly reinventing herself. One of her most unexpected late-career collaborations came with Gorillaz, where her timeless voice met the band's experimental sound on their 2026 album The Mountain.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My grandmother used to play her songs every morning. Her voice was the soundtrack of our home. It's beautiful that she connected with artists from completely different worlds. That Gorillaz collaboration was surprisingly brilliant! Rest in peace, Asha ji.
A
Aman W
Respect to Damon Albarn for this genuine tribute. It's not often you see Western musicians appreciating our legends so deeply. Asha Bhosle's ability to adapt and collaborate even in her later years was incredible. She was a true pioneer.
S
Sarah B
While the tribute is lovely, I do wish our own younger generation of Bollywood stars and musicians would show this level of detailed, personal appreciation. Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind us of the giants we have amongst us.
K
Karthik V
"The voice of an angel" is the perfect description. From "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja" to that Gorillaz track, her range was unbelievable. An era has truly ended. Om Shanti.
M
Michael C
The image of him sitting cross-legged playing R.D. Burman's harmonium while she sang... what a powerful memory. Art transcends everything. This tribute moved me.

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