Tributes for legendary Bollywood singer Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle, one of India's most versatile Bollywood singers whose performances shaped the nation's musical memory and modern cinema, has died. She was 92.

The legendary singer across genres died on Sunday of multiple organ failure at a hospital in Mumbai, said Pratit Samdani, a physician at the hospital.

Son Anand Bhosle told reporters his mother's last rites were to be performed on Monday.

Bhosle was admitted to the hospital on late Saturday with a chest infection and exhaustion, her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle said in a social media post.

Bhosle's timeless voice resonated across a film-obsessed India for nearly eight decades, recorded on about 12,000 songs.

She boldly embraced cabaret and Western-influenced melodies to forge a distinct musical identity that stood uniquely apart from her sister, Lata Mangeshkar, herself a legendary voice revered as the "Melody Queen".

Boy George was among the musicians to pay tribute to Bhosle, who sang on Culture Club's 1991 track Bow Down Mister.

"God bless the amazing #ashabhosle who sang the glorious vocals on Bow Down Mister," he said in a social media post.

"Rest in peace, your voice was like silk."

Singer Tjinder Singh of rock band Cornershop said Bhosle's music had "helped us throughout all our good and difficult times".

"The world and all India grieve today," he said in a post on social media.

The band's 1997 hit single Brimful Of Asha was inspired by Bhosle, with the lyrics paying homage to Indian film culture and Bollywood soundtracks.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by Bhosle's passing.

"Her unique musical journey spanning decades has enriched our cultural heritage and touched the hearts of countless people around the world," Modi said on social media.

"From soulful melodies to spirited compositions, her voice carried a timeless brilliance."

Bhosle recently appeared on the album The Mountain by Gorillaz.

Born on September 8, 1933, Bhosle was initiated into music by her father Dinanath Mangeshkar, who was also a trained singer. All her four siblings became accomplished singers and musicians.

Bhosle's first marriage, in 1949, ended in separation in 1960. Her second marriage was to iconic music composer RD Burman in 1980. She is survived by a son and grandchildren.