Mumbai, April 12 -- Veteran singer Asha Bhosle had a profound influence on the life of musician Shankar Mahadevan who said he deeply admired her and regarded her as an embodiment of Goddess Saraswati.

After learning about her death, Mahadevan paid an emotional tribute to his "Asha Tai".

In a video message, Mahadevan said, "A very sad day for all of us and a very sad day for Indian music. I cannot believe that our dearest Asha Tayi is no more. I am not able to express my sorrow and what I am feeling right now, as a musician, as didi's worshipper, as a very close family friend and looking up to her like Maa Saraswati."

Describing her musical legacy as immortal, he added, "I am sure that every single Indian is heartbroken. But didi and he...