Veteran actors Asha Parekh, Helen, composer AR Rahman and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar were among the friends and colleagues who paid their last respects to legendary singer Asha Bhosle at her residence here on Monday. Bhosle passed away on Sunday morning due to multi-organ failure at the age of 92 at Breach Candy Hospital.
The final darshan is underway at her residence, Casa Grande in Lower Parel, and will continue until 3 pm.
Her body has been placed in a glass casket, draped in the tricolour and adorned with white lilies, with a ceremonial police salute accorded as part of state honours.
A large smiling portrait of Bhosle stood near the casket, surrounded by elaborate white floral arrangements. Songs from across her decades-long career such as "Aao Huzoor Tumko", "Aaiye Meherban", "Jhumka Gira Re", "Dil Cheez Kya Hai", "O Saathi Re" and "Yai Re Yai Re" played in the background.
Fans have gathered outside the residence, with police deploying barricades and
tightening security at the venue. Bhosle's son Anand and granddaughter Zanai were among the family members present and looked inconsolable.
Rahman, who worked with Bhosle on songs like "Tanha Tanha", "Rangeela Re", "Radha Kaise Na Jaale" and others, was the first to arrive at her residence.
Tendulkar arrived soon after with his wife Anjali. Incidentally, Bhosle made one of her last appearances at the wedding of Tendulkar's son Arjun last month.
Parekh met the singer's family before paying her last respects to Bhosle, whose voice defined many of the actor's biggest hits of the 1960s and '70s, including "Parde Mein Rehne Do", "O Mere Sona Re", and "Kitna Pyara Wada Hai".
Helen, who lent her iconic moves to Bhosle's voice on cabaret classics such as "Piya Tu Ab To Aaja", "Yeh Mera Dil", and "O Haseena Zulfonwali", embraced Bhosle's son after paying her last respects.
Actor Jackie Shroff stood quietly in a corner after offering his condolences.