India, April 14 -- "Abhi Na Jaao Chhodkar..." The strains of that wistful song played in the background at the Shivaji Park crematorium on Monday as hundreds of people gathered inside - and outside - to bid music legend Asha Bhosle a final sayonara.

A gun salute rang out as the last rites of Bhosle, perhaps the last of the singing greats who ruled the sound waves for decades and still do, were held in accordance with Hindu rituals and with full state honours. Her son Anand performed the rituals. 

Bhosle, one-half of the legendary Mangeshkar sisters, passed away on Sunday due to multi-organ failure. She was 92, as was her Lata didi when she died in February 2022.

Priests recited mantras around the funeral pyre, decorated with vibra...