India, April 13 -- Ashatai had not been keeping well for the past several months. But just a week ago, she told me she had recovered enough and was ready to perform at a live event. We had even begun the planning process, but then this happened.

We would visit her often and sit with her after her health declined. Despite battling a serious illness, she would play her songs and take us back in time. Fifteen days ago, she even sang a devotional song on Lord Dattaguru, which I shared on social media.

Owing to my deep love for Mohammed Rafi songs, I have been organising an award ceremony in his name every year on December 24, his birth anniversary, for the past 18 years. I had always wished to honour Ashatai with this award. When we express...