Composer AR Rahman released a teaser for a musical tribute dedicated to the late playback singer Asha Bhosle on Sunday, coinciding with World Music Day. The announcement comes around two months after Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92. Featuring vocals of Rahman and Bhosle, among others, the song celebrates the late vocalist’s legacy. One of Asha Bhosle’s last recordings, the song is conceived as a celebration of her unparalleled contributions to the Indian film industry and world music. According to Rahman, he conceptualised the project, titled 'Asha Forever,' while the legendary singer was still alive, with the intention of presenting it to her directly.
In a statement shared alongside the teaser, Rahman shared his objective behind the initiative. "On this World Music Day, we celebrate a voice that has transcended generations, languages, and borders. This tribute began as a dream while Asha Bhosle ji was still with us. We had hoped she would witness the love and gratitude this project carries,” Rahman wrote.
He added, “Around the world, we celebrate musical legends. We are blessed to have one of our own, an artist whose voice became the soundtrack of countless lives. The most meaningful tribute felt like bringing together different musicians, traditions, and sounds to celebrate her extraordinary legacy. This is our humble offering to Asha ji. May her music continue to inspire hearts for generations to come. Today, we share a glimpse of this journey with the teaser. The full tribute will be unveiled soon. We hope you all receive it with the same love with which it was created.”
AR Rahman collaborated with Asha Bhosle on many commercially successful and critically acclaimed tracks, including the following.
‘Tanha Tanha’ and the title track from Rangeela
‘Kahin Aag Lage’ from Taal
‘Rang De' from Thakshak
‘Radha Kaise Na Jale' from Lagaan
The upcoming tribute video will feature an ensemble of diverse musicians and traditions, including those from London’s Trinity Laban Music college. Its full version is expected to be out soon. Meanwhile, here is a link to the teaser that Rahman shared earlier on World Music Day: