Lucknow, 12 April (H.S.):

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed profound grief over the demise of legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle, hailing her as the empress of melody. He paid homage on his social media handle, reminiscing her monumental contributions as an irreplaceable loss to the art world. Bollywood's iconic vocalist and the late Lata Mangeshkar's sister breathed her last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at 92 on Sunday, sending ripples of sorrow among admirers.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his tribute, wrote: The passing of the empress of melody in Indian music, the great virtuoso of notes, 'Padma Vibhushan' Asha Bhosle ji, is profoundly heartbreaking and an irreparable loss to the realm of arts. Her unparalleled singing elevated Indian music to new heights. Her sweet melodies will forever resonate in the hearts of countrymen. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to her bereaved family and fans to endure this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on a visit to the state capital Lucknow, conveyed his anguish on X: The demise of India's melody queen Asha Bhosle is deeply painful for me. As a playback singer, she lent her voice to thousands of films and music albums. Generations of Indians have cherished and hummed her songs. The echo of her melodious tunes will endure eternally. Asha Bhosle ji's passing is an irreplaceable loss to the music world. In this hour of grief, my condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti!

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, along with several cabinet ministers, also expressed deep sorrow and paid floral tributes.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar