‘Voices like hers won’t come again’: Abida Parveen remembers late Asha Bhosle

Renowned Pakistani singer Abida Parveen paid tribute to legendary Indian vocalist Asha Bhosle following her reported passing, describing her as an unparalleled artist whose legacy would endure across generations.

In a video shared on Instagram, Parveen expressed deep admiration for Bhosle, stating that words were insufficient to capture the scale of her talent and contributions to music. She said Bhosle had been gifted extraordinary ability, which she shared widely with audiences around the world.

Parveen also remembered Bhosle’s sister, Lata Mangeshkar, noting that both singers’ voices would continue to resonate for years to come. She remarked that artists of their calibre were rare and unlikely to be seen again.

Reflecting on her personal experience, Parveen said she had long wished to meet the Mangeshkar sisters and was eventually able to do so during visits to India. She also recalled working alongside Bhosle as a judge on the 2012 music reality show Sur Kshetra, which featured participants from across South Asia, including Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila.

Highlighting Bhosle’s influence on aspiring musicians, Parveen said many singers begin their training by attempting to replicate her songs and vocal techniques, though few are able to match her mastery. She described Bhosle as a “pillar” of the Indian film industry whose impact extended beyond performance into shaping musical standards.

Parveen further emphasised Bhosle’s versatility, recalling how even her contemporaries, including Mangeshkar, acknowledged her wide-ranging abilities. She noted that discussions among musicians often centred on the technical brilliance required to perform Bhosle’s compositions.