India, April 12 -- Veteran singer Ashatai Bhosle has passed away. In a couple of my speeches, and later in a conversation I had with her, I had said that "Lata (Mangeshkar) Didi and you are the Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo of Indian film music".

When you look at Leonardo da Vinci's work, you constantly feel perfection, meticulous precision, an incredible sense of stillness, and an almost immediate spiritual experience. All of this is felt in Didi's singing, where everything sounds so perfect, so ideal.

On the other hand, Michelangelo's work carries grace, intensity, playfulness, and even rebellion. At times, his sculptures seem eager to break free from the stone. The same can be said of Ashatai's songs. In her singing, there is lo...